Office of renewable fuels and coproducts

1. An office of renewable fuels and coproducts is created within the department and shall be staffed by a coordinator who shall be appointed by the secretary. It shall be the policy of the office to further renewable fuels and coproducts activities. The office shall first further renewable fuels and coproducts activities based on the following considerations: a. The price competitiveness of the renewable fuel or coproduct. b. The production capacity and supply of the renewable fuel or coproduct. c. The ease and safety of transporting and storing the renewable fuel or coproduct. d. The degree to which the renewable fuel or coproduct is currently developed for ready transfer to current engine technology. e. The degree to which the renewable fuel or coproduct is environmentally protective. f. The degree to which the renewable fuel or coproduct provides economic development opportunities. 2. The duties of the office include, but are not limited to, the following: a. Serving as advisor to the department regarding regulations, including federal and state standards, relating to oxygenates, as defined in section 214A.1. b. Serving as advisor to the department regarding renewable fuels and coproducts programs. c. Serving as monitor of regulations administered in the state, in other states, or by the federal government. The office shall collect information and data prepared by state agencies related to these regulations, and provide referral and assistance to interested persons and agencies. d. Cooperating with persons and agencies involved in renewable fuels and coproducts activities, including other states and the federal government, to standardize regulations and coordinate programs, in order to increase administrative effectiveness and reduce administrative duplication. e. Implementing policies and procedures designed to facilitate communication between persons involved in renewable fuels and coproducts activities. f. Assisting state or federal agencies, or assisting commercial enterprises or commodity organizations which are located in or desiring to locate in the state. The assistance may include support of public research relating to renewable fuels and coproducts activities. g. Conducting studies relating to the viability of producing or using renewable fuels and coproducts, and methods and schedules required to ensure a practicable transition to the use of renewable fuels and coproducts. h. Approving a renewable fuel which may be used as a flexible fuel powering a motor vehicle required to be purchased by state agencies. 3. a. A chief purpose of the office is to further the production and consumption of ethanol blended gasoline and biobutanol blended gasoline in this state. The office shall be the primary state agency charged with the responsibility to promote public consumption of ethanol blended gasoline and biobutanol blended gasoline. b. The office shall promote the production and consumption of biodiesel and biodiesel blended fuel in this state. 4. The office and state entities, including the department, the economic development authority, the state department of transportation, and the state board of regents institutions, shall cooperate to implement this section.