USDA invests $100 million to put new biofuel pumps on American roads

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is partnering with 21 states to almost double the number of biofuel fuelling stations available to American motorists.

The move comes as part of the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP), which aims to simultaneously lower U.S. dependence on foreign oil while supporting American farmers who make biofuels possible.

The USDA opened up applications in May to get part of $100 million in grants being offered through the BIP to build up biofuel infrastructure. To apply for the grants, states and private enterprises must promise to invest a matching amount to the grant.

The offer proved popular with applications outpacing the amount offered. Including the $100 million put up by the USDA and commitments to match those funds, the BIP will be investing more than $210 million in biofuel fuelling stations.

"This major investment in renewable energy infrastructure will give Americans more options that not only will suit their pocketbooks, but also will reduce our country's environmental impact and bolster our rural economy," Secretary Vilsack said. "The Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership is one more example of how federal funds can be leveraged by state and private partners to deliver better and farther reaching outcomes for taxpayers.”

Added biofuel pumps will be on the roads within a matter of months.