Growth Energy welcomed an announcement in today’s Federal Register from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) of $100 million in new infrastructure grants to support sales of higher biofuel blends through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). The $100 million will be available in competitive grants for projects aimed at expansion of sales and use of renewable fuels.
“We applaud Secretary Vilsack for his ongoing efforts to expand access to lower-cost, lower-emissions biofuels,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We have heard countless success stories from our retail partners about how HBIIP grants have helped them expand options at the pump and bring cleaner, more affordable options to drivers across the nation. Today’s announcement reaffirms USDA’s commitment to ensuring a new wave of growth for higher biofuel blends, and we look forward to working with members of the retail community to help them take full advantage of this growth opportunity.”
Last week, Growth Energy hosted a webinar along with USDA and CSP for participants to learn more about USDA’s fuel infrastructure grant program and the exciting opportunities in the E15 marketplace. Information and support for retailers interested in offering higher biofuels blends is available on Growth Energy’s Retail Hub.
Background
USDA’s HBIIP expands domestic ethanol and biodiesel availability by supporting infrastructure projects to facilitate increased sales of higher biofuel blends (E15/B20 or higher). This effort builds on biofuels infrastructure investments and experience gained through the original Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership (BIP), first launched in 2016.
Growth Energy’s pioneering work with Prime the Pump supported the installation of E15 at retailers large and small in size and diverse in geographic location, including Casey’s, Sheetz, Kwik Trip, Minnoco, Cumberland Farms, Family Express, Kum & Go, Murphy USA, NuVu Fuels, Protec Fuel, Pump & Pantry, Racetrac, Rutters, QuikTrip, and United Dairy Farmers. There are now more than 2,600 retail locations offering E15 nationwide.
