USDA invests to increase homegrown biofuels

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director, Jane Asselta, has announced the agency is investing $340,000 in infrastructure and to help expand the use of renewable fuels in New Jersey. Due to these grants, the amount of ethanol sold is projected to increase by 162,715 gallons.

This announcement supports the Biden-Harris Administration in their goal of achieving real energy independence and commitment to homegrown fuels.”

USDA is making the awards under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. This funding will assist in building infrastructure, expanding sales and use of renewable fuels, and give consumers more environmentally friendly options at the pump.

The following businesses in New Jersey are receiving Higher Blend Infrastructure Incentive funding:

• Clinton Auto Service Inc. will use a $252,000 grant to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels in Bergen County. This project is expected to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 154,400 gallons per year.
• Pinkava’s Motor Company Inc. will use a $88,000 grant to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels in Union County. This project is projected to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 8,315 gallons per year.

Today’s announcement comes from a larger, nationwide announcement from USDA Secretary Vilsack where he announced Efforts to Enable Energy Independence by Boosting Homegrown Biofuels. USDA investments include $5.6 million in the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program in seven states. This investment is expected to expand the availability of renewable fuels by approximately 59.5 million gallons per year.

Under the Biden-Harris administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery subscriber page.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate, smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/nj or by calling (856)787-7700.

USDA Rural Development funds projects in New Jersey under the leadership of its state office staff located in Mt. Laurel and supported by offices located in Hackettstown, Columbus, and Vineland.

Source: https://njbmagazine.com/