Green Iowa: Big in Biodiesel

Iowa, nicked named the Tall Corn State on account of its most common crop, is a medium sized state situated in the Midwestern region of the USA. The state is an unlikely leader in green fuel; it is the largest producer of ethanol, a major producer of biodiesel (manufacturing more than 15 million gallons per year from its two biodiesel plants) and boasts the 3rd largest wind powder economy in America.

However, despite being a leader in the production of renewable energies and fuel, the state has lagged behind in using them, although the Iowa state government currently uses Biodiesel in two of its Department of Transportation fleets. To help increase renewable energy uptake proposals have been recently made to quadruple the use of renewable fuels over the next decade and Iowa is hoping that their new legislation will form a model for which other states will follow.

The proposal will require Iowa petrol retailers to sell a minimum percentage of renewable fuels; ethanol blends such as E10 and E85 would also count towards the quota. The schedule would require minimum renewable fuel sales of 10% by 2008, 15% by 2010, 20% by 2012, and 25% by 2015. Currently, Iowans can purchase biodiesel and ethanol blends from more than 150 locations across the state and this is predicted to rise.

Biodiesel has been hailed as a wonder fuel; it's a blend of soy oil and diesel fuel that can significantly reduce air emission without comprising vehicle performance. Some blends can even be used without any engine modification. The fuel is renewable, biodegradable and cleaner burning compared to regular petrol or diesel. It also has the highest energy balance of any "green fuel" - i.e. for every one unit of fossil-fuel energy needed to produce biodiesel, 3.2 units of energy are gained.

Ethanol is another fuel which is having a big impact on reducing the dependence on foreign oil imports. All new cars being built in the US are required to have engines that can run on 10% Ethanol blended fuel without any further modification. The fuel is a proven octane enhancer which can be used to replace lead and other toxic compounds in gasoline, and is also an ideal fuel for use in small engines too, such as lawn mowers, chainsaws, snowmobiles and outboard motors.

In the future it's hoped that homes, schools and hotels in Des Moines and other large settlements across Iowa could be powered completely by renewable fuels, which would make Iowa a trailblazer in the world of green energy which other states could then follow.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the positive economic impact of ethanol fuels is huge, both at a state and nationwide level. The ethanol industry provides more than 27,205 jobs, and generates $156 million in farm income in Iowa alone, and the scope for growth in the industry is massive.

Iowa's green credentials are admirable, and environmentalists across the States and the wider world hope that others will follow this Midwestern state's eco-friendly lead.