Biodiesel stations in Iowa

Iowa: the most biodiesel-friendly tax code in the country

Iowa is the nation's largest biodiesel producer, and its tax code is written to move that fuel through local pumps. Diesel blended to B11 or higher is taxed at a lower excise rate than straight diesel, and retailers earn a per-gallon Biodiesel Blended Fuel Tax Credit that, since a 2022 overhaul, pays more the higher the blend — with separate tiers for B11, B20 and B30. The state's Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Program also helps stations pay for tanks and blender pumps.

So in Iowa, B20 is the normal summer diesel at the big chains: Casey's (headquartered in Ankeny), Kwik Star and the Pilot/Flying J travel centers on I-80 and I-35. Two-thirds of Iowa's listed stations report the seasonal pattern — B20 in the warm months, B5 in winter — so what you pump in January is a winter blend regardless of what the map says.

Tips for Iowa drivers

• I-80 and I-35 are the best-covered biodiesel corridors in the U.S. You will not need to plan fuel stops.
• Flying J in Des Moines lists B99 for anyone who wants a high blend.

State incentives and mandates change. The current list for Iowa is on the AFDC Iowa laws and incentives page.