The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $8.8 million in funding to boost advanced biofuel production and assist in sustaining jobs at renewable energy facilities in 39 states. The funds, provided through USDA’s Advanced Biofuel Payment Program, tie in to several USDA programs also aimed at increasing advanced biofuel production including the Farm Bill’s bio-refinery program, the Green Fleet and the Biogas Opportunity Roadmap.

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“Advanced biofuels expand America’s energy options and increase our sources of homegrown, renewable energy,” Vilsack said. “These payments not only help to spur biofuel production, but also protect the environment and help create jobs by building a renewable energy economy in rural areas.”

Funds under the Advanced Biofuels Program are dispersed to biofuel producers based on the amount of advanced biofuels are produced from renewable biomass with the exception of corn kernel starch. Eligible feedstocks include agriculture, food and yard waste, vegetable oil and animal fats. To date $308 million in payments to 382 producers in 47 states have been made.  These payments have produced enough biofuel to provide more than 391 billion kilowatt hours of electric energy.

Click here to see a full list of producers receiving payments.