Growth Energy Receives U.S. Department of Energy Funding for Expanded Ethanol Fueling Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Growth Energy announced that the organization has received a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to support the expansion of fueling infrastructure for ethanol blends. Growth Energy’s project will result in the installation of at least ten E85 dispensers at existing gas stations in Norfolk, Virginia and Seattle, Washington.

“Growth Energy applauds the continued support of Secretary Chu and the Obama Administration to further the production and availability of homegrown, renewable fuels,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy. “By increasing the use of ethanol in America, we will create new green collar jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, strengthen our national security, and improve the environment.”

The award was one of eight projects selected to receive up to $1.6 million in Federal funding to support ethanol blends infrastructure at existing retail fueling locations in nine states: Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. The projects plan to install E85 pumps, retrofit existing pumps to dispense E85, and install blender pumps for a total of at least 45 E85 dispensers and 16 blender pumps at over 60 gas stations along key driving corridors and areas with higher concentrations of flexible fuel vehicles.

Secretary Chu also announced the investment of $78 million for advanced biofuels research at two biofuels consortia for a total of $80 million in biofuels funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

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About Growth Energy

Growth Energy is a group committed to the promise of agriculture and growing America’s economy through cleaner, greener energy. Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home. More information can be found at GrowthEnergy.org.