The Indiana Office of Energy Development today announced that Indiana will receive $895,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the new Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP). The grant will be combined with an investment from the Indiana Corn Marketing Council to support the final development of 110 new ethanol pumps in the state. Currently, Indiana has 185 dedicated ethanol refueling stations (above E10).
“I am pleased that the United States Department of Agriculture has chosen Indiana as part of its Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership to expand consumer access to ethanol,” said Governor Mike Pence. “I have always been supportive of an all-of-the-above energy strategy. This funding will allow for the installation of more ethanol pumps and will ultimately give Hoosiers more choices while further diversifying our energy portfolio.”
“The generous contribution of matching funds from the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, and our partnerships with our Clean Cities Coalitions enable Indiana to continue to support a true all-of-the-above approach to energy policy that will ultimately benefit Hoosiers,” said Indiana Office of Energy Development Director Tristan Vance. “By further utilizing our domestic energy resources, we give greater flexibility to Indiana consumers, create jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”
Indiana is one of 21 states to receive funding. In May 2015, USDA announced an investment of up to $100 million in the BIP. This funding seeks to double the number of fuel pumps capable of supplying higher blends of renewable fuel to consumers, expanding the marketplace for biofuels and decreasing energy costs. More information on the BIP can be found here.