Reminder - E15 Access Mandate Safe Harbor Deadline

 Iowa’s E15 mandate took effect January 1, 2026. Due to the scope of infrastructure work required, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) established a safe harbor policy allowing retailers to extend their compliance deadline to September 30, 2026.

To qualify, retailers were required to provide evidence of an agreement with an Iowa-licensed installer for future E15 infrastructure work, such as an equipment purchase order, work order, installation agreement, contract, or invoice. A submitted, active application for an Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) E15 cost-share grant also satisfied the requirement. All projects covered by safe harbor must be completed by September 30, 2026.

Safe harbor applies to an individual retail location and is separate from a Class I, Class II, or small retail facility waiver from Iowa’s E15 mandate.

FUELIowa members, including owners and licensed service professionals, experiencing challenges meeting the deadline should contact John Maynes to pursue a solution.