Green Iowa: Big in Biodiesel
Iowa, nicked named the Tall Corn State on account of its most common crop, is a medium sized state situated in the Midwestern region of the United States of America. The state is an unlikely leader in green fuel; it is the largest producer of ethanol, a major producer of biodiesel (manufacturing more than 15 million gallons per year from its two biodiesel plants) and boasts the 3rd largest wind powder economy in America.
The proposal will require Iowa petrol retailers to sell a minimum percentage of renewable fuels; ethanol blends such as E10 and E85 would also count towards the quota. The schedule would require minimum renewable fuel sales of 10% by 2008, 15% by 2010, 20% by 2012, and 25% by 2015. Currently, Iowans can purchase biodiesel and ethanol blends from more than 150 locations across the state and this is predicted to rise. Biodiesel has been hailed as a wonder fuel; it’s a blend of soy oil and diesel fuel that can significantly reduce air emission without comprising vehicle performance. Some blends can even be used without any engine modification. The fuel is renewable, biodegradable and cleaner burning compared to regular petrol or diesel. It also has the highest energy balance of any “green fuel” – i.e. for every one unit of fossil-fuel energy needed to produce biodiesel, 3.2 units of energy are gained.