The Iowa Senate has passed legislation to take the state a step closer to implementing an alternative fuel standard. If approved by the House, the legislation would ensure that the state's diesel fuel contains 5% biodiesel. The legislation would add Iowa to a roster of seven other states that also have introduced standards to support using cleaner burning, domestically produced biodiesel.
National Biodiesel Board CEO Joe Jobe says this is empowering the citizens of the state to choose to use less foreign oil.
"Iowa has been a leader in the helping to establish biodiesel as a reliable and renewable energy alternative," said Jobe "Biodiesel gives all Iowans an opportunity to use a renewable fuel made for, grown by, refined by, and distributed by Iowans."
Minnesota, Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, New Mexico and Massachusetts have all approved biodiesel requirements. Iowa's B5 requirement would generate demand for about 45 million gallons of biodiesel, supported by locally available raw material and local jobs.
"On top of environmental and performance benefits, one of biodiesel greatest attributes is that it is made here at home - by Americans, for Americans," Jobe said. "Enhancing the fuel supply with biodiesel is the choice that keeps our money and our jobs here at home."