Iowa Legislature Passes Renewable Fuels Standard: 25% by 2020
13 April 2006
The Iowa House on Wednesday passed by a vote of 97–1 a Renewable Fuels measure that will require that 25% of motor fuel sold in Iowa by 2020 come from renewable sources. The bill—which creates the most aggressive Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) in the country—now goes to Governor Tom Vilsack for signature.
If signed by the governor, the bill will make Iowa the fifth state with its own RFS. (Earlier post.)
To reach that goal, the sale and use of E85 will have to climb dramatically. Gas stations that embrace E85 will be in line for millions of dollars in state tax credits and incentives. In Iowa, E85 is currently available at only 30 fuel outlets across the state.
The House bill, HF 2754, creates:
An aggressive, accountable renewable fuels standard (RFS) starting at 10% in 2009 and increasing to 25% by 2020.
A new ethanol promotion tax credit for each gallon of ethanol blended into gasoline (replaces existing tax credit beginning in 2009). This incentive is linked to a retailer dealer’s achievement of the RFS schedule. The tax credit increases from $0.025 per gallon for retailers within 4% of the RFS schedule to $0.065 per gallon for retailers meeting or exceeding the RFS schedule.
A retail tax credit for E85 of $0.25 per gallon (phases out by 2020).
A retail tax credit for biodiesel blends of $0.03 per gallon (for retailers who sell more than 50% biodiesel blends.
An expanded infrastructure program designed to help retailers and wholesalers offset the cost of bringing E85 and biodiesel blends to consumers.
The RFS allows gasoline retailers flexibility in meeting the standard through the sale of E10, E85, and biodiesel blends.
By the end of 2006, Iowa will have a minimum of 27 ethanol plants capable of producing over 1.7 billion gallons per year. In addition, at least 6 biodiesel plants will be capable of producing more than 120 million gallons per year, according to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.
To qualify under the bill, the ethanol must be agriculturally-derived.
Resources:
Iowa House File 2754
"to qualify under the bill, the ethanol must be agriculturally-derived."
What kind of crock is that? Farm lobbyists at work!!
Use agriculture to feed our cars, and not our bodies.
Posted by: Mark A | 14 April 2006 at 05:29 AM
I'd much rather pay to support my family's corn farm than to line Bush, et al.(s) pocket.
Posted by: Tony | 14 April 2006 at 08:03 AM
Keeping more dollars in the local economy is a good thing but their definition of biodiesel is too narrow. They omitted fuels produced through thermal conversion of biomass.
Posted by: tom deplume | 14 April 2006 at 08:56 AM
Mark A,
so you don't want to line Bush's pockets, but have no problem sending money to the President of Iran and Prick Face Chavez?
Posted by: PaulH | 17 April 2006 at 07:20 AM
The point I am making is to not limit it to ONLY agricultural derived ethanol!! What if we can, perhaps, devolop ethanol from old McDonalds hamburger wrappers? Under this bill, it would not qualify.
With that being said, I also do not think ethanol, from corn, is the right answer. Especially since ethanol production will be competing with biodiesel production, in addition to competing in supplying the food we eat!!
Perhaps this ethanol is a short term extension until the better solution is developed, or thought of.
Posted by: Mark A | 17 April 2006 at 08:29 AM