WASHINGTON, D.C. – Growth Energy, the nation’s largest ethanol association, has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) request for information on biofuel infrastructure priorities. Having previously worked with USDA and Prime the Pump on the original Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership (BIP), Growth Energy is well-positioned and pleased to provide USDA with their expert insight on the new Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP).
“We commend USDA and this administration for their swift action and are pleased to submit our comments on the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “In the last decade, Growth Energy and Prime the Pump have led the way in growing the offerings of higher ethanol blends to over 2,000 retailers across the nation, and our historical knowledge of this program and blueprint for success is unmatched. We are committed to the successful implementation of HBIIP to expand access to cleaner-burning, higher octane Unleaded88 at the pump, delivering a win for consumers, farmers, and the environment.”
Read Growth Energy’s cover letter to USDA here.
Read Growth Energy’s comments responding to USDA’s request for information on HBIIP here.
Background
The USDA announced on Jan. 16, 2020 they were seeking input from all interested parties on a Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). USDA is exploring options to expand domestic ethanol and biodiesel availability and is seeking information on opportunities to consider infrastructure projects to facilitate increased sales of higher biofuel blends (E15/B20 or higher.) This effort will build on biofuels infrastructure investments and experience gained through the Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership (BIP). USDA administered BIP from 2016-2019 through state and private partners to expand the availability of E15 and E85 infrastructure to make available higher ethanol blends at retail gas stations around the country.