WASHINGTON, D.C. – Growth Energy yesterday submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), making recommendations to the agency’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) on how to make the most of certain provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
“Our industry is poised to work with you and the administration to help achieve the ambitious climate goals sought by the enactment of the IRA,” said Growth Energy in its comment. “To that end, we look forward to working with you on the implementation of the new law including section 22003 that provides $500M in funding for biofuels infrastructure.”
Specifically, Growth Energy recommended that USDA administer the aforementioned $500 million in a way that maximizes the use of higher ethanol-blended fuels like E15, a blend of gasoline and 15% ethanol that can be used in more than 96% of the vehicles currently on the road today.
A full copy of the letter can be found here.
Background
Earlier this year the USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) hosted listening sessions and requested comments on the agency’s implementation of provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Section 22003 of the IRA specifically appropriates $500 million “to support the development of biofuel infrastructure, including infrastructure improvements for blending, storing, supplying or distributing biofuels; installing, retrofitting or upgrading fuel dispensers to supply higher blends of biofuels; and for building and retrofitting home heating oil distribution centers to supply biofuels.” In addition to working on behalf of America’s biofuel producers on this latest round of funding with the USDA, Growth Energy has simultaneously worked with most of the nearly 3,000 retailers offering E15 through its extensive work in USDA’s prior infrastructure programs in conjunction with the industry’s own Prime the Pump initiative.
Agri-Pulse Newsmakers: March 24, 2023: @RepAshleyHinson @GrowthEnergy Joe Kakesh @ASA_Soybeans Alexa Combelic on WOTUS, biofuels and farm bill spending Full video here https://t.co/qxMFBVjCdu https://t.co/voTxqZ1j5Q
via @agripulse
[email protected] awarded member Kelly Nieuwenhuis with its highest honor, America’s Fuel Award, at its 14th annual Executive Leadership Conference. https://t.co/JHaHMTJWbT
via @CStoreDecisions
Wondering how the Inflation Reduction Act will affect #ethanol producers? Watch John Fuher from @GrowthEnergy explain in 6 minutes. https://t.co/ZPK3TVdWwt #ira #inflationreductionact
via @NavigatorCO2
Growth Energy's General Counsel Joe Kakesh discussed year-round E15 and the need for an emergency waiver, as well as other policy priorities on @agripulse yesterday. Tune in! agri-pulse.com/media/videos/p…
via @GrowthEnergy