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Ford, GM Hope To Mainstream E85General Motors Debuts Two New Hybrids Nationwide Campaign for Plug-In Hybrids Launched President's Initiative Promotes Clean Energy New Hydrogen Technology Developed; Fueling Station Adds Generator 2006 Green Power Top 25 List Released Patent Awarded for Biodiesel Modular Production Unit The Aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: EIA Forecast Predicts Ongoing Impact Iowa State Senate Proposes RFS Bill EPA Offers Grants for Diesel Emission Reduction Projects 
From the Office of the Executive Director Consortium Staff Update A Tribute to Dennis Weaver - 2004 Odyssey Spokesperson Gateway Community College Launches Hybrid Vehicle Familiarization Course Onondaga Community College Holds Pre-Odyssey Event New NAFTC Members Recognized Members Gather for Annual Business Meeting NAFTC Exhibits at WVU Day at the Legislature  
March 12-16 NHA Hydrogen Conference Long Beach, CA March 13-14 March 15-16 May 7-10 October 12, 2006 |
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A bill establishing a 25-percent Iowa Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) was unanimously passed by the Iowa State Senate’s Natural Resources Committee on February 7. The legislation, introduced by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), would require gasoline retailers to achieve a minimum percentage of renewable fuel use compared to total retail gasoline sales over a one-year period. The bill seeks a 10-percent RFS by 2008, a 15-percent increase by 2010, a 20-percent increase by 2012, and a 25-percent increase by 2015. It includes a 10-cent per-gallon incentive for E85 and a three-to-five-cent per-gallon incentive for biodiesel blends of two percent or higher. Both ethanol and biodiesel blends would count toward the percentage. “What makes this bill unique is that it marries aggressive incentives with common-sense accountability. This bill will get the job done,” stated IRFA’s Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Promoting renewable fuels is too important to be timid or to just hope for the best. Iowa needs an RFS that reflects its leadership in ethanol and biodiesel production.”
According to its Web site, the IRFA was founded in 2002 and brings together Iowa ethanol and biodiesel producers to foster the development and growth of the State’s renewable fuels industry through education, promotion, and infrastructure development. The IRFA worked with the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) in developing the bill. “Our RFS approach is designed to increase Iowa’s energy independence but still give retailers flexibility in the fuels they offer,” said ICGA President Keith Sexton. “Even when fully implemented, it will mean consumers can still choose the fuel they prefer.” Iowa will have a minimum of twenty-seven ethanol plants capable of producing more than 1.6 billion gallons per year by the end of 2006, and at least six biodiesel plants will be capable of producing more than 120 million gallons of the fuel per year, according to the IRFA. “We are excited. It’s time to make this happen,” Sexton said. “This is a plan that benefits everyone: Iowa consumers, Iowa businesses, and Iowa agriculture.” |
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