If any doubt lingered as to where Iowans stand on growing the renewable fuels market, new research shows they overwhelmingly support it. In fact, 77 percent of registered voters surveyed said they support expanding the federal Renewable Fuel Standard to increase biodiesel in the fuel supply.

Almost as many also said a Congressional candidate’s support for the RFS was an important factor in their voting decisions.

The Iowa Biodiesel Board commissioned the questions as part of its annual public opinion research. A professional public opinion research firm, Moore Information, conducted the online survey of 517 registered voters. It took place the week of August 11th.

The study shows Iowans have a positive opinion about biodiesel in general. Additionally, after a series of questions on biodiesel, they were highly supportive of expanding the RFS.

The 77 percent figure came in response to the question, “Do you support or oppose expanding the national Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires blending some renewable fuels into the nation's fuel supply, to increase biodiesel use in the United States?”

What’s more, 69 percent said a Congressional candidate’s position on the RFS was “very” or “somewhat” important.

There are four U.S. House seats and one U.S. Senate seat up for election in Iowa.

Biodiesel advocates have asked for Congress’s help in speaking up for biodiesel. A pending Environmental Protection Agency decision would slash the RFS biodiesel target far below last year’s production of nearly 1.8 billion gallons.

“Many of our biodiesel businesses have the pressure of an uncertain market weighing heavily on them right now,” said Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. “It is uplifting to know that Iowans are with us. They are behind strong federal policy to buoy this young industry in the torrents of the oil industry’s opposition.”

Kimberley called the RFS highly effective energy policy, accomplishing exactly what Congress intended. It has created jobs, reduced emissions and built domestic sources of energy.

Biodiesel is made from a variety of resources including soybean oil, recycled cooking oil and animal fats. It is the first EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel to reach commercial-scale production nationwide.

The Iowa Biodiesel Board is a state trade association representing the biodiesel industry.

Iowa Biodiesel Board
www.iowabiodiesel.org