Alternative Fuels -- State Regulations for Iowa

This page contains selected data from the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) at the U. S. Department of Energy. Additional details and the latest updates may be found at the AFDC summary page for Iowa.

Vehicle Acquisition

State agency vehicles

At least 10% of new light-duty vehicles purchased by institutions under the control of the state fleet administrator, including the Iowa Department of Transportation administrator, board of directors of community colleges, state board of regents, commission for the blind, and department of corrections must be capable of using alternative fuels. Vehicles and trucks purchased and directly used for law enforcement and off-road maintenance work are exempt from this requirement. (Reference Iowa Code 8A.362, 216B.3, 260C.19A, 262.25A, 307.21 and 904.312A)

Fuel Use

State agency vehicles

State fleet gasoline and diesel vehicles must operate using ethanol-blended gasoline and biodiesel-blended diesel, except in emergency circumstances. Vehicles must be affixed with a visible sticker that notifies the public that the motor vehicle uses ethanol-blended gasoline or biodiesel. The sticker is not required for unmarked vehicles used for law enforcement or security purposes. (Reference Iowa Code 8A.362, 216B.3, 260C.19A, 262.25A, 307.21 and 904.312A)

State agency vehicles (targets)

The Iowa Legislature set a goal of replacing 25% of conventional fuels sold in the state with biofuels by January 1, 2020. To reach this goal, the state encourages retailers to sell a certain percentage of renewable fuels in relation to their total gasoline sales by offering tax credits. (Reference�Iowa Code 422.11N)

General

Funding (alternative fuel, vehicles)

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources conducts marketing and education outreach to encourage the use of alternative fuels and, contingent upon funding, awards demonstration grants to individuals who purchase vehicles that operate on alternative fuels, including but not limited to E85, biodiesel, compressed natural gas, electricity, solar energy, or hydrogen. Individuals may use grants to conduct research connected with the fuel or the vehicle and to purchase the vehicle if the Department of Natural Resources retains the title of the vehicle, the vehicle is used for research, and the proceeds from the eventual sale of the vehicle are used for additional research. (Reference Iowa Code 214A.19)

Labeling Requirement (biodiesel, ethanol dispensers)

Biodiesel and ethanol blend dispensers must be affixed with decals identifying the type of fuel blend. If fuel blends containing more than 10% ethanol are being dispensed, the decal must include the following statement: "For Flexible Fuel Vehicles Only." The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (Department) may approve an application to place a decal in a special location on a pump with special lettering or colors if the decal appears clear and conspicuous to the consumer. The application must be made in writing to the Department. (Reference Iowa Code 214A.16)

Specification (biofuels)

Ethanol-blended gasoline must conform to ASTM D4814, E85 must conform to ASTM D5768, and biodiesel-blended fuel containing at least 6%, but no more than 20%, biodiesel must conform to ASTM D7467. The state defers to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for potential changes in specifications. (Reference Senate File 214A.2)