USDA Announces Finalists for $100 Million Dollar Grants for Additional Blender Pumps
WASHINGTON, DC— In response to today’s announcement by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it will move forward with the Biofuels Infrastructure Program, distributing $100 million dollars of matching grants to states to help fund infrastructure projects to increase the availability of higher ethanol blends, furthering consumer choice, Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, issued the following statement:
“Today’s announcement by the USDA is a tremendous win for American consumers. The USDA is helping advance consumer choice and market access for higher blends of cleaner burning, American made, renewable fuels. I would like to thank the administration and in particular, Secretary Vilsack, for his unwavering leadership and dedication to promoting America’s renewable fuels and helping bring a choice and savings to consumers when they fill up at the pump.
“The USDA, though these matching grants, will help build out the necessary infrastructure to increase market access for higher ethanol blends. This will allow consumers to choose higher performing, less expensive American made ethanol that supports the economy, improves the environment and reduces our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels.
“It is unfortunate that the obligated parties refuse to follow the law and blend increasing amounts of renewable fuel, but the steps by the administration and Secretary Vilsack will ensure higher ethanol blends, such as E15, penetrate the marketplace, and provide consumers with a choice and savings they deserve.”
USDA announced that the following states are finalists to receive matching grant funds: Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
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