The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will release obligated funding under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) for 543 projects totaling $537 million in 29 states. This includes new projects approved within the first 100 days of the Trump Administration.

USDA is exploring additional ways to unleash American energy and incentivize the production and use of homegrown US biofuels, including working alongside the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) that support the biofuel industry, as well as supporting EPA’s review of any potential emergency fuel waivers to allow the nationwide year-round sale of E15.

Established at USDA Rural Development during President Trump’s first term, HBIIP helps expand the production of domestic biofuels by helping fueling stations install the pumps, storage containers, and other necessary infrastructure needed to offer biofuel options at the pump.

HBIIP investments directly impact American farmers. The expansion of biofuel infrastructure broadens the availability of fuels such as E15, E85, and B20, made from American-made agricultural commodities. Additionally, this program protects American farmers from retaliatory trade practices, diversifies the nation’s energy supply, creates jobs and supports economic growth in rural communities.

Approximately 96% of the vehicles on the road today, roughly 290 million, are legally approved to use E15. E15 is fully approved for use in cars, SUVs, pickups, vans, or other light duty vehicles manufactured after the year 2000. In addition, there are more than 22 million flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) on the road in the United States, roughly 8% of all vehicles, that can use ethanol blends up to E85. All diesel vehicles can operate on B20.