WASHINGTON, D.C. — Growth Energy released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement of pandemic assistance for the U.S. biofuel industry and additional funding for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP).
“Biofuel producers were among the hardest hit by COVID-19, which forced over half the industry offline at the peak of the pandemic,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “Given the uncertainties still confronting rural families, this is a welcome boost for those working to produce low-carbon biofuels, support clean energy jobs, and achieve our nation’s carbon reduction goals. We also greatly appreciate USDA’s continued commitment to expanding fuel infrastructure that offer American drivers greater access to lower cost, low carbon ethanol.”
Background:
Today’s announcement marks the release of $700 million for biofuel producers, first pledged in June, as part of a broader package to expand previous rounds of aid. The funds were made possible through the December 2020 COVID-19 relief bill, with bipartisan support from rural lawmakers. Additionally, the USDA announced it will make $100 million available in grants to fund the retail expansion of biofuels infrastructure.