Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program Board has approved more than $2 million in cost-share grants for 38 E15 and biodiesel infrastructure projects across the state.
The grants, approved during the board's July 29 meeting, include 24 ethanol projects totaling more than $1.43 million and 14 biodiesel projects totaling more than $604,000. Combined, the projects represent more than $2.03 million in investment.
The funding will help Iowa fuel retailers install and upgrade infrastructure to expand consumer access to renewable fuels while strengthening markets for Iowa corn and soybeans.
Iowa leads the nation in E15, also known as Unleaded 88, availability, with more than 1,100 fuel stations offering the blend. In 2025, Iowa drivers saved more than $60 million by choosing E15 instead of E10. Total savings over the past three years have exceeded $126.5 million.
The biodiesel projects are expected to increase access to the fuel and strengthen demand for Iowa-grown soybeans and other oil and fat feedstocks. The program also provides consumers with additional renewable fuel options.
Naig said broader access to E15 could provide similar savings and benefits to consumers nationwide and called for federal legislation allowing year-round E15 sales across the country.