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PRESS RELEASE: FUELIowa Applauds New Biofuels Grant and Relief Opportunities, Urges Continued Infrastructure Support

 

This week, both Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced new targeted initiatives that will provide critical assistance to biofuels producers impacted by the effects of COVID-19. As the country's first state to announce such a program, Iowa is driving vital aid directly to an essential industry during the pandemic and aftermath of the derecho. 

As the voice of Iowa's fuel industry, FUELIowa applauded the new programs and their ability to support higher blended fuels' growing market. FUELIowa encouraged state and local leaders to continue this recent momentum to support the infrastructure investments needed to offer these fuels, particularly for small and medium-size business owners in rural communities across Iowa.

FUELIowa President and CEO Ronald Langston released the following statement:

"The targeted assistance announced by Governor Reynolds and Secretary Naig demonstrates the recognition of the diverse fuel economy that is propelling our state forward. Throughout this pandemic and the economic downturn, the fuel industry has remained resilient. FUELIowa appreciates the continued efforts from Iowa's Governor and Secretary of Agriculture to help add and expand higher blended fuel options.

"Looking ahead, our state and its leaders must take every opportunity to support the modernization of the infrastructure required to offer clean, biofuel options at the pump in every community. Our small and medium-sized convenience store members serve as the lifeblood to many rural communities. Several struggle to provide these biofuel options due to outdated systems and the financial hurdles to update them, a burden that is further exacerbated by the impacts of the pandemic.

"Through the success of these new programs, we will work with Iowa leaders to continue charting a new course for innovation, infrastructure funding, and equipment upgrades that fulfill the vision of these programs to dispense higher ethanol and biodiesel blends for the benefit of Iowa consumers."

Governor Reynolds announced the launch of the Iowa Biofuels Relief program, which will provide short-term assistance to renewable fuel producers. Iowa is the first state to offer such a program. The application period for this program is August 31, 2020, through September 14, 2020. Ethanol and biodiesel production companies with Iowa-based plants are eligible to apply. To qualify, applicants must have produced 500,000 gallons of biofuel between January 1, 2020, and March 31, 2020. Applicants must also have experienced revenue losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more at IowaBusinessRecovery.com.

Additionally, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced an Iowa Renewable Fuels Recovery Program. This program is open to applicants who are retail operators of motor fuel dispensing sites and fueling stations that have experienced a business income loss or interruption of business directly connected to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, applicants must be retail businesses dispensing or have plans to distribute ethanol blends of E15 or higher or biodiesel blends of B11 or higher. Biodiesel termination facilities also qualify.

Applications for this program are now open with the review for the first round of applications scheduled for Monday, September 14. Up to $30,000 is available for each project. While these funds are distinct from Iowa's already established Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP), there are opportunities for RFIP dollars to be used on the same project.

For more information or to apply, please visit IowaAgriculture.gov/grants.







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