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.

Iowa is definitely a farming state and corn is the dominant crop. Fortunately, Iowa real estate won’t take a large bite out of your bank account.

Iowa

Iowa is known for predominantly being a farming state and some people might view this as a bit boring. Such an assumption would be incorrect as Iowa has a lot to offer in other areas including museums, historic sites, river sports and a good bit of fun on large casino gambling boats. Iowa definitely provides for slower pace of life, but that isn’t so bad in these hectic times.

Iowa City

Home to the University of Iowa, Iowa City has a definite college town atmosphere. Outdoor cafes litter the city and as do collections of coffee shops and odd little stores. Walking in Iowa City is highly recommended. You can expect to stroll through tree-lined streets full of families and students casually getting on with their day.

Des Moines

The capital of Iowa, Des Moines is located near the merge of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers. The city isn’t so notable for its attractions as it is for a general atmosphere. Set on rolling hills, many of the neighborhoods are of the traditional white picket fence variety. Turning to celebrity trivia, John Wayne was born in Des Moines. On the business front, Des Moines is farming and insurance dominated with the city being the home of the third most number of insurance companies in the world. If you’re a first time homebuyer raising a family, you could do far worse than Des Moines.

Iowa Real Estate

Iowa real estate is some of the cheapest in the country. A single family home will cost a little over $200,000 on average in Iowa City. The same home will set you back roughly $240,000 in Des Moines. Unfortunately, the appreciate rate for Iowa in 2005 was a disappointing 5.5 percent.