The opening of Kum & Go’s first E15 gas pump last week represents a major step forward for availability of higher ethanol blends in Iowa and the Midwest, said Lucy Norton, managing director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

The Iowa-based convenience store chain installed its first E15 pump at a station in the Des Moines metro area and announced plans to make E15 blends available at more than 65 stores across Iowa and six other states over the next two years.

"Kum & Go’s...