Reynolds, Naig Urge USDA to Revive Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program

DES MOINES, Iowa (Jan. 31, 2020) – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig submitted joint comments to USDA voicing support for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). The federal HBIIP would provide grant funding to support investments in renewable fuels infrastructure.

“Despite Iowa’s success with biofuels so far, our state is just getting started,” Gov. Reynolds said in her letter. “The USDA’s willingness to recognize the potential to build on BIP’s successes with HBIIP is highly encouraging. We are confident that if the State of Iowa’s proposed expansion of RFIP is met with a federal commitment to HBIIP for both biodiesel and ethanol, we can accelerate the adoption of biofuels, supporting the environment and rural communities while we do it.”

“An investment in renewable fuels is an investment for all Iowans. Renewable fuels benefit Iowa farmers, jobs in rural communities and give consumers access to affordable, cleaner-burning fuels,” said Secretary Naig. “With funding and support from USDA, we can continue building upon the success of the state’s Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program by adding more E15 and biodiesel blends at local fueling stations, giving Iowans more choices at the pump.”

The comment letter and technical feedback can be viewed at governor.iowa.gov.

Iowa is one of a handful of states with a standing appropriation for a Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP). The RFIP helps the operators of motor fuel dispensing sites or fueling stations to convert their equipment to allow the expanded use of renewable fuels in Iowa.

Since its inception, the RFIP has awarded $35.26 million in state dollars for biofuels infrastructure projects. The private sector has responded to the RFIP by investing over $200 million in these renewable fuels infrastructure projects.