Leaders from the National Corn Growers Association held a joint event with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue in Albert Lea, Minnesota Thursday to support higher blends of ethanol.
In Minnesota, Perdue announced the USDA had invested $22 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP).
The investment is projected to increase demand by 150 million gallons annually because the cost-share grants will lead to more retailers offering E15 and E85. More grants are coming in the next few weeks.
“Increasing the availability of higher blends today also helps expand the retail infrastructure compatible with the future high octane, mid-level ethanol blends,” the NCGA said in a release.
Grant funds were awarded in in California, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Utah and Wisconsin.
“Last fall, the Trump Administration made several commitments aimed at putting the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) back on track and expanding the biofuels market,” the NCGA said in a release. “While there is more work to be done to uphold the RFS, today’s infrastructure announcement represents follow through from USDA on the department’s commitment. Awarding cost-share grants to retailers will help them expand their offerings of higher ethanol blends and provide more renewable choices for consumers at the pump.”