WASHINGTON, DC – A new program announced by the USDA today to help install more Flex Fuel pumps will help meet the President’s goal of reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil and strengthen our national security, according to Growth Energy, the leading voice for the U.S. ethanol industry.
The federal program, the Rural Energy for America Program, will provide grants and guaranteed loans to retailers to help install up to 10,000 Flex Fuel pumps across the country.
“We commend President Obama and Secretary Vilsack for recognizing the need to move this nation off our dependence on foreign oil, create jobs here in the U.S. and improve our environment. The program announced today accelerate our progress toward energy independence and getting our economy going again,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis. “Every Flex Fuel pump we install will help make our country more energy independent and more secure, all while giving consumers a choice at the pump that includes domestic, renewable ethanol.”
The installation of Flex Fuel pumps is about giving the consumer a choice, a choice that is currently made for them by requiring them to put at least 90 percent regular gasoline in their car.
Last year, Growth Energy proposed their Fueling Freedom plan, which would reform ethanol tax provisions to increase the number of Flex Fuel vehicles on the road and Flex Pumps at filling stations, in order to allow open access to the fuel market. Increasing the number of FFVs on the road and Flex Fuel pumps at gas stations will give consumers an opportunity to choose their fuel based on price and performance – and help our nation meet the thresholds set by the Renewable Fuel Standard.
“With gas prices skyrocketing past $4 a gallon, it is now more important than ever to decrease our dependence on foreign oil and give consumers access to affordable, domestically-produced fuel,” Buis added.