Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Biofuel Infrastructure Grants

The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program provides financial assistance to qualified 70%-85% ethanol (E85) or dual 15% ethanol (E15) and biodiesel retailers. Cost-share grants are available to upgrade or install new E85 or dual E15 and biodiesel infrastructure. Three-year cost-share grants are available for up to 50% of the total cost of the total project, up to $30,000. Five-year cost-share grants are available for up to 70% of the total cost of the project, up to $50,000.

Biodiesel distributors may apply for cost-share grants for infrastructure upgrades and installations at biodiesel terminal facilities. Facilities blending or dispensing blends ranging from 2% biodiesel (B2) to 98% biodiesel (B98) are eligible for up to 50% of the total project, up to $50,000. Facilities blending or dispensing B99 or B100 are eligible for up to 50% of the total project, up to $100,000.

The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Board receives administrative support from staff within the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and has the authority to determine the eligibility of applicants. For more information, refer to the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program website.

(Reference Iowa Code 159A.13-159A.15)

Diesel Emission Reduction Project Funding

The Iowa Department of Transportation (IowaDOT) provides funding for the replacement, retrofit, or conversion of medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) on-road diesel vehicles with new diesel or alternative fuel vehicles. Grants are also available for off-road diesel vehicle replacements and repowers. Grants are available for MHD school buses, transit buses, and trucks. Non-road vehicles and equipment may also be eligible for funding. Eligible applicants include government, nonprofit, and private entities that own or operate diesel fleets and equipment. Additional restrictions apply. This grant program is partially funded by Iowa’s portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including eligible vehicles, see the IowaDOT Diesel Emission Reduction Act Website.

Iowa's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program requires the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) to submit an EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) to the DOT and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Office by August 1, 2022, describing how the state intends to distribute NEVI funds. Plans must be established according to NEVI guidance.

For more information about Iowa’s NEVI planning process, see the Iowa DOT Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment website. For more information about Iowa’s NEVI plan, see the Joint Office’s State Plans for EV Charging website.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Grants

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) provides grants for projects that benefit Iowa ratepayers and support the implementation of the Iowa Energy Plan, including the purchase of AFVs. Eligible applicants include Iowa businesses, colleges and universities, private and nonprofit organizations. For more information, including eligibility requirements, see the IEDA Iowa Energy Center Grant Program website.

(Reference Iowa Administrative Code 261.404)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Funding

The Iowa Department of Transportation (IowaDOT) provides funding for publicly accessible Level 2 and direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. This grant program is funded by Iowa’s portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including how to apply, see the IowaDOT Volkswagen Clean Air Act Partial Settlements website.