Branstad Pushes Higher Ethanol Blend

Higher Blend: Iowa Governor Terry Branstad wants to push state subsidies from the E-10 blend in the state to E-15. Earlier this month, the Environmental Protection Agency ruled that vehicles made after 2001 could handle the higher ethanol blend. Branstad said during the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit in Des Moines that it is time to push E-15 in Iowa. Branstad said, “I'm going to be talking to all the presidential candidates about how important renewable fuels is to the future of this country and our competitiveness and how important it is to the state of Iowa."

Statehouse Sitdown: Branstad met at the Iowa Statehouse with former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, who also spoke at the summit. Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum also spoke. But Branstad’s staff said the governor did not meet with Santorum. Branstad met last week with another possible 2012 Republican candidate: Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. You think Branstad will be a popular guy for the next year with these (possible) candidates?