House File 2128, which implements new fuel requirements in Iowa and requires gas stations to sell E-15, was passed by my colleagues and me this week. If a shop is unable to meet these conditions, the bill allows for a suspension by the governor or a number of waivers through the Department of Agriculture.
This piece of legislation will increase access to renewable fuels, increase agricultural incomes, and give Iowa consumers more options. Iowa’s economy is dependent on the ethanol industry. The ethanol business, agriculture, and Iowa’s position as a leader in ethanol and biofuels are all supported by this bill.
Throughout the legislative process, we heard several concerns from smaller shops that may not have the financial resources to make the necessary upgrades to comply with the bill’s standards. House File 2128 provides amendments to the Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Program (RFIP) to help retail sites develop, replace, or convert infrastructure to help meet these new standards and to address these concerns and help prioritize support for smaller retailers who distribute less than 450,000 gallons per year. It also gives small shops an additional exemption based on the average fuel sales of a location.
House File 2128 is an excellent bill for Iowa and Iowa farmers because it supports over 40,000 employment in rural areas and moves Iowa closer to energy independence. On Tuesday, it cleared the Iowa Senate 42-3 and the Iowa House later that day. It will now go to Governor Reynolds for her signature.
So much for Iowa Senators being against mandates. Last I knew the Republican party platform stood for free markets.