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Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Applauds New Underwriters Laboratories Requirements for E85 Ethanol Dispensers; New Requirements Set Stage for More Rapid Expansion of E85 Ethanol Options Across Iowa

Johnston, IA--The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) congratulated Underwriters Laboratories (UL) on Oct. 16 for announcing certification requirements for E85 dispensers.

With these guidelines in place, pump dispenser manufacturers can now submit their E85 pumps for certification.

It is likely that E85 pumps could be certified by the UL over the next few months.

“Lack of a certified E85 pump was the number one reason we heard from retailers on why more weren’t offering E85 to their customers,” said Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director.

“Although Iowa has a program in place to allow retailers to offer E85 today and use a grant to upgrade later, many retailers simply choose to wait until a certified E85 pump is available.

"We’re finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel.”

Iowa currently has 69 E85 retail outlets.

A list of all the E85 stations can be found online.

Retailers interested in installing an E85 pump can receive a grant from the Iowa Department of Economic Development.

Information and a grant application may be found online.

“Adding E85 to their product lineup should be an easy decision for any retailer willing to crunch the numbers,” added Shaw.

“Based on the current ethanol market and support programs, an average* retailer could pay off the cost of an E85 pump in only three months.

"Retailers in high volume locations could pay off the pump in a matter of weeks.

"We’ve done the math and we’re happy to share it with anyone who’s interested.”

Based on average installation cost as submitted to state infrastructure programs less the state and federal infrastructure incentives.

Average sales determined by latest Iowa Department of Revenue E85 sales figures (2nd quarter) divided by number of E85 stations at that time. Profit per gallon determined by posted rack prices at Des Moines terminal.

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.

Iowa has 29 ethanol refineries with the capacity to produce nearly 2 billion gallons annually.

There are 18 ethanol refineries under construction or expansion that will add nearly 1.4 billion gallons of annual capacity.

In addition, Iowa has 13 biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of nearly 260 million gallons in operation.

Three biodiesel refineries under construction will add 95 million gallons of capacity.

Many additional renewable fuels projects are under development.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s ethanol and biodiesel producers.

The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.

For more information, call Monte Shaw at 515-252-6249.