USDA Announces Funding to Expand the Production and Availability of Advanced Biofuels

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced payments for 156 advanced biofuel producers across the country to support the production and expansion of advanced biofuels.

"This funding will help local producers increase the production and availability of renewable energy and thus help our nation begin to reduce its reliance on foreign oil," Vilsack said. "Just as importantly, USDA's support will help to further develop the nation's growing biofuels industry and generate green jobs and economic growth."

The funding is being provided through USDA's Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels program. Under this program, payments are made to eligible producers to support and ensure an expanding production of advanced biofuels. Payments are based on the amount of biofuels a recipient produces from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch. Eligible examples include biofuels derived from cellulose; crop residue; animal, food and yard waste material; biogas (landfill and sewage waste treatment gas); vegetable oil, and animal fat. Through this and other programs, USDA is working to support the research, investment and infrastructure necessary to build a biofuels industry that creates jobs and conserves natural resources across America.

In Dubuque, Iowa, Western Dubuque Biodiesel, LLC received a $487,871 payment. This biodiesel production facility produces 30 million gallons per year using soybean oil, canola oil and tallow esters as feedstock. The operation is expected to save 18 jobs. It is also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 309 million kilowatts.

In Kinsale, Va., the Potomac Supply Corporation received a $36,530 payment for producing two types of advanced biofuels: fuel pellets and dry kiln. Both are made from clean pine chips, sawdust and shavings feedstock. The payment will help save 10 jobs.

USDA today is announcing $44.6 million in payments to 156 local producers and business-owners.

Below is a complete list of award recipients by state:

Alaska

• Superior Pellet Fuels, LLC: $2,204.33 for Pellets.

Alabama

• Southeastern Biodiesel Solutions, Inc.: $764.63 for Biofuel From Waste Products.

Arkansas

• Delta American Fuel, LLC: $10,029.80 for Biodiesel Trans Esterification.
• Futurefuel Chemical Company: $417,737.23 for Biodiesel Trans Esterification.

Arizona

• Pinal Energy, LLC: $70,643.51 for Ethanol Production.

California

• American Biodiesel, Inc.: $86,029.52 for Biodiesel Trans Esterification.
• Castelanelli Bros.: $2,975.20 for Anaerobic Digester.
• Energy Alternative Solutions, Inc.: $24,527.85 for Biodiesel Trans Esterification.
• Fiscalini Properties, LP: $5,307.15 for Anaerobic Digester.
• Gallo Cattle Company, LP: $8,916.62 for Anaerobic Digester.
• High Mountain Fuels, LLC: $56,868.34 for Landfill Gas.
• Imperial Western Products, Inc.: $188,264.29 for Biodiesel Trans Esterification.
• New Leaf Biofuel, LLC: $94,117.17 for Biodiesel Trans Esterification.
• Promethean Biofuels Cooperative Corp.: $7,555.68 for Biodiesel Trans Esterification.
• Simple Fuels Biodiesel, Inc.: $5,979.92 for Biodiesel Trans Esterification.
• Yokayo Biofuels, Inc.: $24,028.84 for Biodiesel Trans Esterification.

Connecticut

• Biodiesel One, Ltd.: $11,891.36 for Biofuel From Waste Products.
• Biopur, Inc.: $70,052.35 for Biofuel From Waste Products.
• DPC Enterprises, Inc.: $649.42 for Biofuel From Waste Products.

Florida

• Genuine Bio-Fuel, Inc.: $72,991.76 for Biodiesel Trans Esterification.

Georgia

• Appling County Pellets, LLC: $170,092.52 for Pellets.
• Down To Earth Energy, LLC: $6,507.46 for Biodiesel Trans Esterification.
• Nittany Biodiesel: $22,641.50 for Biodiesel Trans Esterification.

Hawaii

• Pacific Biodiesel, Inc.: $43,978.24 for Biofuel From Waste Products.

Iowa

• Clinton County Bio Energy, LLC: $131,831.49 for Biofuel From Waste Products.
• Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC: $138,360.72 for Biofuel From Waste Products.
• Renewable Energy Group, Inc.: $3,739,128.61 for Biodiesel Trans Esterification.
• Western Dubuque Biodiesel, LLC: $487,871.16 for Biodiesel Trans Esterification.
• Western Iowa Energy: $658,243.95 for Biofuel From Waste Products.