Growth Energy Facilitated Over Half of HBIIP Grant Applications, Surpassed $1 Billion in Retailer Investment Since 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Growth Energy-the nation's largest biofuel trade association-celebrated completion of the fifth and final round of applications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) by releasing new figures that demonstrate how Growth Energy has helped retailers install equipment to offer higher biofuel blends like E15 and E85.

In total, Growth Energy facilitated 54% of grant applications for the last five rounds of HBIIP resulting in 1,173 total sites adding higher bioethanol-blended fuels. With these additions, our retail partners will generate 100 million gallons of additional bioethanol demand annually. Through grant writing, per-gallon incentives, and even direct financial support, Growth Energy has driven more than $1 billion in investments in new biofuels infrastructure since 2011, the year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Growth Energy's waiver request that ultimately allowed the sale of E15 in cars made in 2001 or newer.

"Over the past few summers, E15 has been saving drivers 10 to 30 cents per gallon, and our leaders in Congress are rallying bipartisan supportto make those savings a permanent, year-round feature of the marketplace," said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. "We are committed to increasing consumer access to this more affordable, lower-carbon fuel option. With every new pump that offers E15, we're increasing American energy security, reducing emissions, and holding down prices for hardworking families."

"We are thrilled with the outstanding results we've seen so far, from HBIIP and the programs that preceded it, and, as always, are grateful to our retail partners and USDA Secretary Vilsack for making it possible," Skor added.

"We invite drivers from all across Florida, Texas, and Georgia to visit one of our locations that offers E15 and try it out for themselves. This is a fuel option that's compatible with 96% of the cars on the road, better for the environment, and easier on their wallets," said Steve Walk, COO of Protec Fuel. "We're excited to see what the future holds for our stores and their customers as they offer this more affordable fuel option, and we thank the team at Growth Energy for their support throughout the grant process-without them, this wouldn't have been possible."

The success of HBIIP illustrates the growing demand for more affordable, lower-carbon fuel options among retailers and their customers. Growth Energy will continue to build on this momentum so that consumers across the country have access to the cleaner burning, cost-lowering fuel option.