On the second anniversary of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the allocation of $99.6 million in funding for 160 new clean energy projects across 26 states. This initiative, backed by the nation's largest-ever investment in climate crisis mitigation, aims to enhance American energy security and bolster economic growth from the ground up.
The funding, derived from the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) and the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), is part of over $600 million allocated from the Inflation Reduction Act towards more than 4,500 clean energy projects, and more than $180 million in projects enhancing domestic biofuel availability.
Secretary Vilsack highlighted the administration’s commitment to reducing costs for rural Americans and expanding clean energy opportunities during his visit to Minnesota. There, he engaged in discussions at the University of Minnesota and visited The Corner Store in Inver Grove Heights, a recipient of a $518,250 HBIIP grant. This grant will facilitate the installation of new fuel dispensers and storage tanks, increasing the station's ethanol sales by over 500,000 gallons annually.
Additionally, in Minnesota alone, $9.2 million in REAP grants will support 71 projects. These grants will help businesses like Raveling Outdoors, LLC and Moe Family Farm LLC save thousands in energy costs annually through projects like solar arrays and energy-efficient heating systems.
The REAP program is also a key component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, ensuring that 40% of the benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy reach disadvantaged communities.
Nationwide, the USDA is also awarding $90.3 million in HBIIP grants to 89 projects to enhance biofuel infrastructure. This includes significant projects like CSX Transportation Inc. in Georgia, which will use a $1.9 million grant to significantly boost its biodiesel supply capabilities, and Anabi Real Estate Development LLC in Nevada, which is set to expand biofuel availability at its stations.
This wave of investments represents a continued effort by the USDA under the Biden-Harris Administration to not only advance clean energy initiatives but also support economic growth and sustainability in rural areas across the United States. For more details on these programs or to apply for HBIIP grants, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the official HBIIP webpage before the September 30, 2024 deadline.
