Wisconsin boosts biofuels with $445K grant for clean energy

By Blake Jackson

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa announced new investments aimed at enhancing access to clean, affordable domestic biofuels for Wisconsin consumers. This initiative will provide cost-effective fuel options while promoting energy independence.

In Burnett County, Connor's Service Station in Webster will receive $445,500 to boost its biofuel sales by an impressive 223,907 gallons annually. The funding will facilitate the installation of two E15 dispensers, two B20 dispensers, along with one storage tank each for ethanol and biodiesel.

“Through the commitment of the administration, USDA is investing in greater access for people in our state to higher-blends fuels at the pumps,” Lassa said. “With the investments announced today, the Department is expanding the availability of homegrown biofuels that will strengthen energy independence, create new revenue for Wisconsin businesses and bring more good-paying jobs to rural communities.”

The funding for these Wisconsin projects is part of a broader initiative, with a total of $39 million in Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) grants being announced nationally across 18 U.S. states.

These grants aim to enhance the availability of domestic biofuels, providing cleaner, more affordable fuel options for consumers.

Additionally, the USDA plans to allocate $200 million through the new Biobased Market Access and Development Grants, made possible by Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds.

The awards and funding announced today are made possible through the HBIIP and the Biobased Market Access and Development Program as part of President Investing in America agenda, supported by CCC and the Inflation Reduction Act.

HBIIP assists transportation fueling and fuel distribution facility owners in expanding ethanol and biodiesel sales.

Since 2021, Wisconsin has received $25,088,070 in HBIIP funding to enhance biofuel access. This funding contributes to over $253 million awarded nationally through more than 300 grants, with nearly $192 million allocated to 267 projects stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act.

USDA will leverage previously transferred CCC funds to establish the Biobased Product Market Development and Access Grant Program.

This initiative will support innovative biobased technologies and bridge the gap between pilot-scale demonstrations and commercial viability, funded through unobligated CCC funds from 2020.

Photo Credit: vista-mipan