Iowa’s biodiesel production hits record 297 million gallons in 2016

In Iowa, the state’s 2016 biodiesel production reached a recording-breaking total of 297 million gallons, surpassing 2015’s total 242 million gallons by 55 million gallons. This 23 percent increase is largely attributed to policy certainty at the federal level during 2016, including the biodiesel tax incentive and Renewable Fuel Standard.  State level policies targeting higher biodiesel blends, such as Iowa’s B11 excise tax differential, also helped drive demand.

Compared to 2015, soybean oil remained the largest feedstock for Iowa biodiesel production – holding steady at 66 percent. Animal fats dropped slightly to 14 percent of production, while corn oil held steady at around 10 percent. Used cooking oil and canola oil doubled their 2015 numbers, combining to account for roughly 10 percent of 2016 biodiesel production in Iowa.