Iowa Senate Bill SSB3187

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/24
• Refer: 3/12/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to ethanol blended gasoline, by providing for gasoline storage and dispensing infrastructure and a financing program, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2418.)

Impact

The bill has significant implications for state laws surrounding environmental regulation and renewable energy usage. By enforcing compatibility with E-85, the legislation is expected to promote the adoption of higher ethanol blends, thus supporting Iowa's agricultural sector, particularly corn production. Alongside this, the bill includes provisions for a financing program to assist retail dealers in upgrading their infrastructure. This financial support is designed to incentivize compliance and enhance the overall infrastructure for gasoline blending.

Summary

SSB3187 is a legislative measure that focuses on the infrastructure related to the storage and dispensing of ethanol blended gasoline. The bill aims to require retail dealers to ensure that their fuel infrastructure is compatible with E-85 gasoline. It establishes a timeline where different grades of ethanol blended gasoline (starting with E-15 and moving to E-40 and E-85) will need to be accommodated by retail fueling stations. This phased approach aims to transition fuel retailers towards a more sustainable energy framework while improving access to renewable fuel sources.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SSB3187 include the regulatory burdens placed on small retail dealerships that may struggle with the financial aspects of upgrading infrastructure. There are concerns from some stakeholders regarding the timeline for compliance, particularly in light of the affordability of the required technology and infrastructure. Opponents may view the mandates as excessive, arguing that they can create disparities among retail stations that have varying capacities to meet the new standards.