Iowa Drivers Embrace E15 and Fuel Freedom Ahead of America’s 250th Independence Day

New Data Shows Record E15 Sales, US Senate Should Act Quickly to Allow All Americans the E15 Option

Contact: Monte Shaw
515-252-6249

WEST DES MOINES, IA - Monthly fuel tax data released just this week by the Iowa Department of Revenue showed Iowa drivers purchased 47 million gallons of E15 in May, a new record up from 37 million gallons in April 2026. This puts E15 on track to see a massive boost in sales, from just over 27% of sales in 2025 to around 50% of all gasoline sold in Iowa in 2026. E15 typically saves motorists 15 cents or more per gallon.

"Now that E15 is widely available here, Iowa drivers are choosing the ethanol blend at record levels," noted Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. "Two monthly sales records in a row and this data doesn't even begin to include the busy summer driving season. The rest of the country deserves the same choice to enjoy significant savings with E15."

E15 helps insulate consumers from international oil shocks and supports American energy independence by using corn grown right here at home. However, without action from the U.S. Senate to pass year-round, nationwide E15 legislation, many Americans remain unable to purchase it for large portions of the year.

"Iowa is lucky to be one of the few states where E15 is available year-round," added Shaw. "As we head into the Independence Day weekend, it's a reminder that all Americans deserve the freedom to fuel up with E15. As Iowa shows, when drivers have the choice to save money at the pump, they will do it. IRFA will continue to urge the US Senate to quickly pass nationwide, year-round E15 to deliver fuel freedom to every American."

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The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association represents the state's liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth. Iowa is the nation's leader in renewable fuels production with 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing over 5 billion gallons annually - including 34 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity - and 8 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 408 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org .