Bio-fuel Frenzy

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced more specifics regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) grant program -- an effort that's expected to nearly double the number of fueling pumps nationwide that supply renewable fuels to American motorists. Among the recipients of the USDA's BIP grant dollars was Colorado, where $600,000 will go toward matching funds from various partners across the state, and help produce infrastructure for 28 higher ethanol blend pumps at seven stations. Colorado Corn teamed up with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, National Corn Growers Association, Kum & Go, Growth Energy and Prime the Pump in its grant application.

 Altogether, the USDA's $100 million in final grant awards are estimated to expand infrastructure by nearly 5,000 pumps at over 1,400 fueling stations. With the matching commitments by state and private entities, the BIP grant program is investing a total of $210 million toward higher-ethanol blend infrastructure. A typical gas pump delivers fuel with 10 percent ethanol, which limits the amount of renewable energy that consumers can purchase. The new partnership will increase the number of pumps, with E15, E85, and intermediate combination blends.