It looks like Iowa is now on the B5 Bio Diesel bandwagon. Last year, legislation was created for what they call the “Iowa Biodiesel Fuel Quality Standard (SF464)”. And on February 4th of this year, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee voted in the advancement of the bill so that it can move into the full committee. If it is passed by the House that would mean that the state of Iowa’s fuel will be 5% biodiesel.
This is amazing technology coming to use for making a huge step in becoming more independent from foreign oil. There are some people and groups with concerns about using biodiesel. The Iowans For Consumer Fuel Choice is concerned that the mandate will create monopoly. Dawn Carlson, their spokesperson stated,
“Mandating renewable fuel will create upside-down economics, eliminate the checks and balances of fair competition and increase fuel costs for Iowans.”
Balancing the Pros and Cons of such a mandate is something the Iowa House will have to review. It would be wonderful if they can make everyone happy. But, this isn’t usually the case. The article stated that Truck Drivers and Fuel Retailer are also against the mandate, but does not state why. Probably for the price of fuel going by having the mixture of bio and fuel together.
Who is next? What other states will try to mandate B5Bio Diesel? I for one will keep an eye on this story.
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