The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced this week that applications are now being accepted for the latest round of funding under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). The program seeks to market higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel by sharing the costs to build and retrofit biofuel-related infrastructure such as pumps, dispensers and storage tanks.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack made the announcement Tuesday at a central Illinois Casey’s General Store with Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Nathanial Doddridge, Vice President of Fuel for Casey’s General Stores. “Biofuels are homegrown fuels. Expanding the availability of higher-blend fuels is a win for American farmers, the rural economy and hardworking Americans who pay the price here at home when we depend on volatile fuel sources overseas,” said Vilsack.

Listen to the announcement here:
Sen. Duckworth and USDA Sec Vilsack (3:28)

“This investment by USDA in lower-cost, lower-carbon biofuels will benefit consumers across the country, while also creating new market opportunities for America’s farmers and ethanol producers,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper, who joined USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack for the announcement. “USDA’s previous investments in biofuels infrastructure yielded huge dividends for drivers this summer, as higher blends like E15 and E85 were the most affordable options at the pump.”

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Chief Marketing Officer Ron Lamberty said the program helps make lower carbon ethanol blends available in more locations to help meet greenhouse gas reduction goals. “There are more than 20 million flex fuel vehicles on the road already and if we’re serious about decreasing transportation carbon emissions, more E15 and E85 fueling locations can help move the needle in weeks and months, not years,” said Lamberty.

ACE held a retailer workshop earlier this month in Omaha to help prepare them for the new round of funding and they are working on new video tutorials with the USDA HBIIP manager to assist retailers across the country in submitting applications.