The schedule established by Iowa’s 25% Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) will start in 2009 by requiring retailers to sell 10% of their total gasoline sales as renewable fuels. Since passing the RFS in 2006, Iowa retailers have been preparing to meet this requirement and subsequent requirements through an incentive based program in order to meet the overall goal of replacing 25% of the state’s gasoline sales with ethanol and biodiesel by 2019. ICGA will work to preserve the RFS schedule and overall integrity of the program.

During last year’s legislative session, a transportation bill was approved to help pay for Iowa’s infrastructure needs based on a 2006 study by the Iowa Department of Transportation of current road funding and projected roadway construction and maintenance needs (TIME-21). The recently updated annual funding shortfall facing the Iowa DOT is $267 million. Should the Iowa Legislature look to fulfill TIME-21 funding during the 2009 session, ICGA will lobby for an increased fuel tax rather than additional increases in registration fees.

There is lots of talk around the legislature about whether action is needed on a variety of livestock issues. We don’t know yet what proposals may surface or what form they may take. ICGA is committed to working with Iowa livestock groups on the following fronts:

ICGA policy supports the increased use of E85 fuel, including bolstering Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) sales and purchases. ICGA will oppose efforts to establish a low carbon fuel standard for the state of Iowa that is based on a 2002 California law aimed at reducing green house gas emissions (mainly CO2) from motor vehicles. ICGA opposes the California model because of its negative impact on the use of clean-burning E85 fuel and sale of FFVs. The 2002 California model has not yet been implemented and awaits waiver approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Following the Iowa Floods of 2008, Governor Culver has been working to secure federal and state executive budget funding to meet the needs of Iowans in flooded portions of the state who are still rebuilding their lives. Because a special session of the Iowa Legislature did not take place following the floods, any additional legislative assistance for disaster victims will need to be approved when the 83rd General Assembly meets in January. Should a disaster recovery package be considered, ICGA will lobby for funding to repair conservation structures (waterways, terraces, etc.) and transportation infrastructure that was damaged during flooding.