USDA Rural Development Increases Access to Clean, Affordable Domestic Biofuels in Indiana

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $19 million in grants to U.S. business owners to increase the availability of domestic biofuels in 22 states. The grants are distributed through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Blending ethanol into gasoline has contributed to reducing fuel costs by approximately 25%, lowering gas prices across the country. The USDA’s investment supports the expansion of biofuel access and strengthens energy independence, creating new revenue for businesses and generating jobs in rural communities. The grants will be used to install and upgrade infrastructure, including fuel pumps, dispensers, and storage tanks, promoting the use of higher-blend biofuels. The HBIIP program, with a total funding of $450 million, continues to accept applications until September 30, 2024, with the next application deadline on March 31, 2024.

The USDA Rural Development Indiana State Director, Dr. Terry Goodin, has announced a $5 million grant awarded to Bulk Petroleum Corporation to enhance the availability of domestic biofuels. The initiative aims to provide Hoosiers and travelers with cleaner and more affordable fuel options at gas station pumps. The funding will support the installation of 73 E15 dispensers, 7 E85 dispensers, 33 B20 dispensers, 31 ethanol storage tanks, and 22 biodiesel storage tanks at 24 fueling stations across Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky. This project is expected to increase the annual sale of biofuels by 7,841,796 gallons.

Learn more!