Crossroads Convenience Becomes Iowa’s 100th E15 Station

JOHNSTON, Iowa — The state of Iowa's commitment to renewable fuels continues to grow with the opening of the state's 100th E15 station, thanks to Crossroads Convenience Store.

Located in Spencer, Iowa, Crossroads Convenience is owned by Wessels Oil Co., owner and operator of six c-stores across northern Iowa. The company offers E85, E20 and E30 at its stations, as well as B5 since 2014. The Spencer store is the retailer's first location to offer E15.  

"With the capability to offer E15 to all 2001 and newer vehicles, it made good business sense to get on board with offering another option to our customers," said Lisa Wessels, secretary, Wessels Oil Co. "E15 offers higher octane and is a cleaner fuel with less toxic chemicals that cause cancer, plus it supports jobs in the state's ethanol industry. It's a win-win situation because it also increases demand for Iowa agriculture."

Wessels was granted funds from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) and the United States Department of Agriculture to install blender pumps and storage tanks to offer E15. RFIP offers cost-share grants to Iowa retailers wishing to upgrade fueling infrastructure to offer E15, E85 and/or biodiesel blends.

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw said the milestone in E15's history is a sign that these programs are working and expects access to E15 will only increase.

"RFIP has leveraged millions in private investment to make it possible for 100 stores and counting to offer E15 to 2001 and newer vehicles," he commented. "More than 80 percent of the vehicles on the road today are approved to run on E15 and every year that market share grows. This 100th station is only the beginning for E15."

The RFIP grants can cover up to 70 percent of installation costs, up to a maximum of $50,000 per project, with a five-year commitment to sell E15, E85 or biodiesel blends. 

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association represents the state's liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth.