Fleet Fueling of Michigan LLC has been awarded a $4.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enhance the sale of biofuels, with a goal of increasing annual sales by 2.5 million gallons. The funding will be used to install new infrastructure at seven fueling stations located in Eaton, Ingham, and Clinton counties, including 16 E15 fuel dispensers, 16 E85 dispensers, 30 B20 dispensers, seven ethanol storage tanks, and 14 biodiesel storage tanks.
This grant is part of a larger $39 million investment by the USDA through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) and the Biobased Market Access and Development Program. The initiative aims to expand the availability of domestic biofuels across 18 states, providing drivers with cleaner and more affordable fuel alternatives.
USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small stated, “By increasing the supply of biofuels made here in the U.S., we are helping to lower costs for American families, strengthening our energy independence, creating new streams of income for agricultural producers, and bringing good-paying jobs to people in rural communities.”
E15, which is a fuel blend containing 15% ethanol, has been gaining popularity among consumers. Recently, California expressed plans to start permitting E15 sales, becoming the last state to do so. The introduction of E15 has led to significant savings for drivers, with reports indicating that last summer, consumers saved between 10 to 30 cents per gallon compared to regular E10 fuel. In some regions, savings reached up to a dollar per gallon.
Additionally, the USDA is making $200 million available through new Biobased Market Access and Development Grants, financed by Commodity Credit Corporation funds, further supporting the growth of biofuels.
Meanwhile, congressional measures have been reintroduced to allow for year-round sales of E15, which is currently restricted during the summer months unless a special waiver is granted by the federal government. While eight Midwest states received permission for year-round sales, Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer has not joined other governors in petitioning the Environmental Protection Agency for expanded access.
