(KNSI) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will release $537 million in funding through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program to support 543 projects in Minnesota and 28 other states.
The funding includes new projects approved within the first 100 days of the Trump Administration and aligns with President Donald Trump’s January 20th Executive Order on Unleashing American Energy, reinforcing support for rural farmers, ranchers, and small businesses.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins made the announcement at an ethanol and biodiesel production facility in Iowa.
“President Trump is honoring our commitment to America’s farmers, ranchers and small businesses, especially here in Iowa where corn and soy growers are crucial to supporting ethanol and biodiesel production,” Secretary Rollins said. “Under the President’s leadership, we are moving away from the harmful effects of misguided climate policies like the Green New Deal. Instead, USDA will deploy energy investments that prioritize the needs of our rural communities. Through HBIIP, we will expand access to domestic, homegrown fuels which will increase good paying jobs for hardworking Americans, restore rural prosperity and strengthen our nation’s energy security.”
The USDA says it continues to promote American energy independence by supporting biofuel production and infrastructure and includes working with the Environmental Protection Agency to develop Renewable Volume Obligations that sustain the biofuel industry and reviewing potential emergency fuel waivers for the year-round sale of E15.
Strting this month, Minnesota and seven other Midwestern states will have year-round access to E15, a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol, due to a rule change finalized by the EPA. Historically, E15 sales have been restricted during summer months due to concerns that it could worsen smog.
Launched during President Trump’s first term, the higher blends program helps expand biofuel availability by funding fueling stations to install pumps, storage tanks, and infrastructure needed to offer ethanol and biodiesel options. The president says these investments benefit American farmers by increasing demand for biofuel crops, diversifying the nation’s energy supply, and boosting economic growth in rural areas.
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