| Iowa, nicked named the Tall Corn State on account of | | | | modification. The fuel is renewable, biodegradable and |
| its most common crop, is a medium sized state | | | | cleaner burning compared to regular petrol or diesel. It |
| situated in the Midwestern region of the USA. The | | | | also has the highest energy balance of any "green |
| state is an unlikely leader in green fuel; it is the largest | | | | fuel" - i.e. for every one unit of fossil-fuel energy |
| producer of ethanol, a major producer of biodiesel | | | | needed to produce biodiesel, 3.2 units of energy are |
| (manufacturing more than 15 million gallons per year | | | | gained. |
| from its two biodiesel plants) and boasts the 3rd | | | | Ethanol is another fuel which is having a big impact on |
| largest wind powder economy in America. | | | | reducing the dependence on foreign oil imports. All new |
| However, despite being a leader in the production of | | | | cars being built in the US are required to have engines |
| renewable energies and fuel, the state has lagged | | | | that can run on 10% Ethanol blended fuel without any |
| behind in using them, although the Iowa state | | | | further modification. The fuel is a proven octane |
| government currently uses Biodiesel in two of its | | | | enhancer which can be used to replace lead and other |
| Department of Transportation fleets. To help increase | | | | toxic compounds in gasoline, and is also an ideal fuel |
| renewable energy uptake proposals have been | | | | for use in small engines too, such as lawn mowers, |
| recently made to quadruple the use of renewable | | | | chainsaws, snowmobiles and outboard motors. |
| fuels over the next decade and Iowa is hoping that | | | | In the future it's hoped that homes, schools and hotels |
| their new legislation will form a model for which other | | | | in Des Moines and other large settlements across |
| states will follow. | | | | Iowa could be powered completely by renewable |
| The proposal will require Iowa petrol retailers to sell a | | | | fuels, which would make Iowa a trailblazer in the world |
| minimum percentage of renewable fuels; ethanol | | | | of green energy which other states could then follow. |
| blends such as E10 and E85 would also count towards | | | | In addition to its environmental benefits, the positive |
| the quota. The schedule would require minimum | | | | economic impact of ethanol fuels is huge, both at a |
| renewable fuel sales of 10% by 2008, 15% by 2010, | | | | state and nationwide level. The ethanol industry |
| 20% by 2012, and 25% by 2015. Currently, Iowans can | | | | provides more than 27,205 jobs, and generates $156 |
| purchase biodiesel and ethanol blends from more than | | | | million in farm income in Iowa alone, and the scope for |
| 150 locations across the state and this is predicted to | | | | growth in the industry is massive. |
| rise. | | | | Iowa's green credentials are admirable, and |
| Biodiesel has been hailed as a wonder fuel; it's a blend | | | | environmentalists across the States and the wider |
| of soy oil and diesel fuel that can significantly reduce | | | | world hope that others will follow this Midwestern |
| air emission without comprising vehicle performance. | | | | state's eco-friendly lead. |
| Some blends can even be used without any engine | | | | |