USDA Secretary Vilsack to announce biofuel infrastructure grants

Furthering the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) goals to support renewable energy, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will announce a series of federal grants for projects supporting biofuel infrastructure today in Kissimmee, Florida, recognizing the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) as a grant winner.

Biofuel infrastructure development is an important aspect to the USDA’s efforts promoting lower energy costs, the clean energy sector, lower carbon pollution levels and less dependence on oil and fossil fuels. The nation’s gas pumps are typically set up to deliver 10 percent ethanol fuel, which does not facilitate the adoption of biofuels.

Through the grants announced today, the USDA is encouraging infrastructure improvements that will allow stations to offer other ethanol blends, typically E15 fuel.

The USDA’s grants program requires matching funds by awardees at a better than 1:1 ratio. In total, funding from the department and private partners like Florida’s DACS adds up to an investment of over $38 million.