USDA Reopens HBIIP Grants

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a second round of grants through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) for infrastructure projects to facilitate increased sales of higher biofuel blends to new and returning applicants.

The first round of Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program grants was announced in May 2020 to expand the sale and use of ethanol and biodiesel fuels and share the costs related to and/or offering sales incentives for the installation of fueling equipment. In his announcement, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recognized “the importance of our ethanol and biofuels industries and the positive impacts they deliver to consumers and farmers with an affordable, abundant and clean-burning fuel.”

Growth Energy’s unmatched network of both large and small retail partners has already secured nearly $30 million in grants for over 290 sites selling more than 400 million gallons of gasoline annually. After USDA’s announcement of a second wave of grants, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement:

“We have heard countless success stories from our retail partners about how HBIIP grants have helped them grow their Unleaded 88 (E15) fuel offerings, strengthen their infrastructure, and increase store foot traffic and sales. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, these grants have been welcome relief for our industry and our hardworking men and women across the country, and we stand at the ready to assist retailers who hope to take full advantage of this growth opportunity.”

Background: 

The USDA’s HBIIP will expand domestic ethanol and biodiesel availability by supporting 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).

Growth Energy’s pioneering work with Prime the Pump helped make BIP a resounding success, supporting the installation of E15 at retailers large and small in size and diverse in geographic location, including Casey’s, Sheetz, Kwik Trip, Minnoco, Cumberland Farms, Family Express, Kum & Go, Murphy USA, NuVu Fuels, Protec Fuel, Pump & Pantry, Racetrac, Rutters, QuikTrip, and United Dairy Farmers. There are now nearly 2,300 retail locations offering E15 and in 2020 – despite COVID and the worst fuel drop in three decades – and retail sites offering E15 have increased 10%.