WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a request for information on biofuel infrastructure priorities, seeking feedback from stakeholders on a key element of president’s promise to expand markets for higher ethanol blends like E15. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement:
“We appreciate the USDA’s outreach, and we look forward to sharing our insights on efforts to expand the availability of cleaner, lower-cost fuel options. Restoring integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard and breaking down market barriers to higher ethanol blends are pillars of the president’s commitment to farm families and rural workers, and positive results are well overdue. Smart infrastructure investments will support rural jobs and allow more drivers across the nation to take advantage of the administration’s move to unleash sales of E15 year-round.”
Working hand-in-hand with Prime the Pump, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping build the infrastructure and distribution of higher biofuel blends, Growth Energy has doubled the number of E15 stations five years in a row to include more than 2,000 stations across 30 states.
Background:
The USDA announced on Jan. 16, 2020 they are 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.