WASHINGTON, DC – Research grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to spur production of bioenergy will help develop technological improvements to increase efficiency and encourage the use of next generation biofuels like cellulosic ethanol, according to Growth Energy, the leading voice for the U.S. ethanol industry. The grants will be awarded through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).
“Secretary Vilsack and the Administration are showing tremendous foresight by investing in programs that will advance America’s renewable energy goals. These grants will help wean our nation off our dependence on foreign oil, create jobs here in the U.S. and improve our environment by promoting the rapid commercialization of cellulosic ethanol and other next generation biofuels,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis. “America’s ethanol industry is eagerly moving toward cellulosic biomass as a feedstock – whether that is citrus waste in South Florida, wood scrap in New England, or farm waste in Iowa. Cellulosic ethanol is a 50-state solution because biomass can be found in every state in the nation. We applaud the USDA’s decision to help increase the production of these technologies.”
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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.