Biofuels to Receive $537 Million to Expand Markets for Higher Blends
The Trump administration has released $537 million for 543 biofuel infrastructure projects across 29 states through the USDA’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. This funding aims to expand access to biofuels like E15 and E85, supporting American farmers and enhancing energy security.
LINCOLN, Neb. (DTN) — The Trump administration on Monday released $537 million for 543 biofuels blending infrastructure projects in 29 states, as part of the USDA’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.
Ahead of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ visit to Iowa on Monday, USDA said in an announcement the projects include new projects approved within President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office, in response to an executive order he signed on energy.
“President Trump is honoring our commitment to America’s farmers, ranchers and small businesses, especially here in Iowa where corn and soy growers are crucial to supporting ethanol and biodiesel production,” Rollins said in a news release.
“Under the President’s leadership we are moving away from the harmful effects of misguided climate policies like the green new deal. Instead, USDA will deploy energy investments that prioritize the needs of our rural communities. Through HBIIP, we will expand access to domestic, homegrown fuels which will increase good paying jobs for hardworking Americans, restore rural prosperity and strengthen our nation’s energy security.”
The HBIIP program was created by Trump during his first term.
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said in a statement the program is important to expand markets for higher ethanol blends including E15 and E85 as well as B20 biodiesel blends.
“We thank secretary Rollins and president Trump for releasing USDA funding that will help expand the domestic market for American-made renewable fuels,” Cooper said.
“The HBIIP program has been a powerful tool to help open new markets for lower-priced fuel blends like E15 and E85, directly supporting increased demand for America’s farmers. We look forward to continuing to work together with USDA under secretary Rollins’ leadership to grow new market opportunities for U.S. ethanol producers and our partners in agriculture.”
HBIIP provides cost-share grants to retailers who are working to expand access to biofuel blends, aiming to significantly increase the sale and use of ethanol and biodiesel.
On average each grant dollar has leveraged four dollars in private investment.
“This is very good news and IRFA members appreciate secretary Rollins’s announcement as construction season is upon us,” said Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.
“E15 is the largest untapped domestic market for American agriculture. Today’s announcement means farmers will benefit from higher demand and consumers will benefit from lower-cost options at the pump. HBIIP, a program created by USDA during President Trump’s first term, is key to helping retailers navigate current regulations on dispensing equipment for higher blends.”
Shaw said in a news release that producers are urging Rollins to work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement Trump’s previous directive to allow all current equipment to store and dispense E15 blends.
“By streamlining regulations, this will greatly speed up the adoption of E15 across the country while saving hundreds of millions of dollars in unneeded expenditures,” Shaw said.
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor, “The release of this funding will empower retailers to offer more American-made biofuels, which drives demand for ethanol and the corn used to make it. More ethanol also means lower fuel costs for consumers, making the release of these funds a huge win for everyone in the biofuels supply chain, from the farm to the fuel tank. We applaud secretary Rollins and the Trump administration for their leadership and for delivering on their promise to support American farmers and biofuel producers. We look forward to seeing how retailers put these funds to good use and will continue to work with the administration as it aims to drive American energy dominance and rural growth by expanding access to homegrown biofuels.”
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Source : DTNPF
