Two federal grant programs are combining forces to give almost $240 million in funding to the production and distribution of domestic biofuel, reports U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres. As part of the broader Biden administration goal of creating new infrastructure and protecting the environment, the federal government has launched the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program to expand the infrastructure for renewable fuels. These renewable fuels include ethanol and biodiesel, which are much better for the environment than traditional gasoline and diesel fuels.
Currently, most passenger vehicles in the United States can use E85, the most popular form of ethanol, and almost 10 percent can use many different grades of ethanol. However, many Americans who can use some biofuels lack access to them, hence the need for expanding biofuel infrastructure. The $240 million in new federal funding will build new storage and fueling facilities for ethanol and biodiesel, generating both temporary construction and full-time facility management jobs. For many drivers, biofuels are more cost-effective than pure gasoline and can save them money in the long run.
American Agriculture is Poised to be Biofuel Giant
Biofuels can be produced indefinitely, which is a major advantage compared to continued reliance on fossil fuels like gasoline and oil. Although new technology has helped expand access to fossil fuels, there is still a finite amount of oil, coal, and natural gas. Biofuels are made from agricultural crops, which are theoretically inexhaustible with proper farming techniques and land conservation. As a major agricultural producer, the United States has ample supplies of corn to produce clean-burning ethanol.
The U.S. is the world’s leading producer and consumer of biofuels, potentially setting up a large export market. Currently, our country exports over $5 billion worth of biofuels annually, most of which go to Canada or Europe. As other nations begin looking for more environmentally friendly fuel sources, they will likely turn to American-made biofuels as an alternative to polluting gas and diesel. The export market has more than doubled over the past decade, signaling growing demand worldwide for clean energy. Federal government investment in biofuel infrastructure today could pay big dividends tomorrow as developing countries begin looking for clean energy suppliers.
Many Consumers May Not be Ready to Go Electric
While much ado has been made about electric cars, many consumers may prefer to “bridge the gap” between their gas or diesel automobile and a fully electric vehicle (EV) with one that uses biofuel like ethanol. They may be willing to put ethanol into their flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) instead of gasoline, reducing their pollution emission. Currently, many people drive FFVs but do not realize that they can use ethanol instead of traditional gasoline. Increasing America’s production and distribution of biofuels will likely convince many of these currently unaware drivers to make the switch to a cleaner, environmentally friendly fuel.
For those who want to reduce their pollution and potentially benefit their wallet, driving an FFV may be a good bridge between a gas-powered vehicle and an electric one. The federal government’s $240 million investment could retire many gas- and diesel-powered vehicles while creating new jobs.
