Iowa Announces $2.12M in Grants to Expand E15 Fuel Access

33 ethanol infrastructure projects approved across 25 counties to boost biofuel availability

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:26am

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Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board approved 33 ethanol infrastructure grants during its quarterly meeting on March 11, supporting new and expanded biofuel infrastructure projects at fuel retailers in 25 counties across Iowa. The approved projects represent more than $2.12 million in state cost-share grants and will help fuel retailers install or upgrade equipment needed to offer E15 (Unleaded 88), expanding its availability at more gas stations across the state.

Why it matters

These investments in renewable fuels infrastructure are part of Iowa's broader strategy to reduce gas prices, increase consumer choice, and develop markets for Iowa-grown biofuel products. Expanding access to E15 supports Iowa's farmers, jobs, and rural communities, especially when global events disrupt fuel supply chains and push gas prices higher.

The details

The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program provides cost-share grants to fuel retailers to install or upgrade dispensers, storage tanks, and related equipment needed to offer higher blends of renewable fuels like E15 and biodiesel. Since the program began in 2006, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has invested more than $72 million in renewable fuels infrastructure across the state, matched by over $280 million from Iowa fuel retailers and convenience stores.

  • The RFIP Board approved the 33 ethanol infrastructure grants on March 11, 2026.
  • Iowa passed an E15 Access Standard in 2022, requiring most fuel retailers to sell and market E15 unless they qualify for a waiver or exemption.
  • The number of Iowa fuel retailers selling E15 has more than tripled since the E15 Access Standard was passed, from 329 to over 1,100 stations.

The players

Mike Naig

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture who announced the $2.12 million in grants for 33 ethanol infrastructure projects across the state.

Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP)

A program that provides cost-share grants to fuel retailers in Iowa to install or upgrade equipment needed to offer higher blends of renewable fuels like E15 and biodiesel.

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What they’re saying

“These Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program investments are about giving drivers more access to American-made, homegrown energy at more Iowa gas stations. When global events disrupt fuel supply chains and push gas prices higher, Iowa-produced E15 is proven to help save drivers money, while supporting Iowa farmers, jobs and rural communities.”

— Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

What’s next

More than 150 additional fuel retailers in Iowa are investing in infrastructure upgrades and plan to offer E15 by the end of 2026, reinforcing the state's commitment to making higher blends of biofuels more readily available to drivers.

The takeaway

Iowa's strategic investments in renewable fuels infrastructure are helping to expand consumer access to homegrown, American-made E15 at gas stations across the state, providing drivers with more fuel choices, supporting local farmers and jobs, and strengthening the state's biofuels economy.