Iowa Retailer Sells State's First Gallon of E15

MARION, Iowa -- Linn Co-op Oil Co. became the first Iowa retailer to sell a gallon of E15 fuel yesterday, reported domesticfuel.com. Drivers of 2001 or newer vehicles can now choose the 15-percent ethanol blended fuel.

"We are honored to be Iowa's first retailer to offer E15 to our customers who have been asking for it," said Jim Becthold, service manager for Linn. "We anticipate that E15 could account for up to 50 percent of our total fuel sales."

Bechtold reportedly wanted to offer the fuel when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued final approval in June. However, he was unable to do so due to summer volatility standards that prevented him from getting the proper blendstock to use.

To help introduce the fuel blend, Linn will hold an open house on Friday, Sept. 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with lunch served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will discount E15 by 15 cents per gallon during the event.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), Iowa Corn Growers and the Iowa Power Fund Community Grant Program are sponsoring a media campaign to introduce E15 to Marion residents that includes radio and print ads, billboards and direct mail. The campaign is scheduled to run throughout September.

This type of campaign is available to any Iowa retailer that wants to offer E15, stated IRFA Managing Director Lucy Norton.