The National Biodiesel Board welcomes the biofuel infrastructure grants announced on Earth Day by USDA that include a dozen for biodiesel.

The 12 grants totaling $7.1 million to expand consumer access to low-carbon biodiesel are the first in FY21 to support biodiesel infrastructure investments under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program and will support nearly 140 million gallons per year through projects from Hawaii to New Hampshire.

Kurt Kovarik, NBB’s Vice President of Federal Affairs, stated, “Earth Day is the perfect time for Secretary Vilsack and USDA to announce infrastructure investments that will increase consumer access to clean, low-carbon biodiesel and Bioheat® fuel. Biodiesel reduces carbon on average by 74%, and it cuts particulate matter and other criteria pollutants in transportation and home heating.

“On behalf of NBB’s members, I want to thank USDA and Secretary Vilsack for including biodiesel in this program. We also thank Senators Amy Klobuchar and Joni Ernst and Representatives Cindy Axne, Rodney Davis, and Dusty Johnson for introducing bipartisan legislation that would enable USDA to continue making these investments to decarbonize America’s fuel infrastructure while rebuilding economic opportunity and creating jobs.”