Iowa Ethanol Grants: $2.1M to Expand E15 Access | 2024 Update

March 25, 2026 Priya Shah – Business Editor Business

Iowa has allocated $2.12 million in state funding to support the expansion of E15, a fuel blend containing 15% ethanol, across 25 counties, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced on March 20, 2026.

The grants, administered through the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP), will assist fuel retailers in installing or upgrading infrastructure necessary to offer E15, often marketed as Unleaded 88. Thirty-three ethanol infrastructure projects were approved during a quarterly meeting of the RFIP Board on March 11, 2026, according to a statement released by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

The RFIP is a cost-share grant program designed for motor fuel retail sites and biodiesel terminal facilities. Ethanol cost-share reimbursements are tiered, with approved projects eligible for awards of up to $75,000. Biodiesel projects can receive up to $50,000, or $100,000 for terminal projects depending on the biodiesel percentage in blended diesel products.

“These Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program investments are about giving drivers more access to American-made, homegrown energy at more Iowa gas stations,” Secretary Naig said. He further emphasized the role of Iowa-produced E15 in mitigating the impact of fuel supply disruptions and high gasoline prices, while simultaneously supporting the state’s agricultural sector.

Since its inception in 2006, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has invested over $72 million in renewable fuels infrastructure. This state investment has been supplemented by more than $280 million from fuel retailers and convenience stores, resulting in a significant increase in the availability of renewable fuels throughout Iowa. To date, the program has funded the installation of 350 E85 dispensers/blenders, 516 biodiesel dispensers/blenders, 301 E15 projects, and 154 biodiesel terminals.

Iowa currently leads the nation in promoting higher ethanol blends, with over 1,100 retailers now offering E15, a result of the state’s 2022 E15 Access Standard. A complete list of the projects approved in March 2026 is available on the Iowa Agriculture website.

The Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Board, consisting of 11 voting members appointed by the Governor of the State of Iowa, reviews all submitted applications. Administrative support for the program is provided by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, with Paul Ovrom serving as the program manager. He can be reached at 515-242-6239 or [email protected].