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Growth Energy Applauds Release of USDA Funds to Support Biofuel Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C.β€”Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, issued the following statement after U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that USDA would release $537 million of funds obligated under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP)β€”a program that makes it easier for fuel retailers to offer fuel options made with higher-ethanol blended fuels including E15, a fuel blend made with 15% American ethanol that can be used in 96% of all cars on the road today.

β€œThe release of this [HBIIP] funding will empower retailers to offer more American-made biofuels, which drives demand for ethanol and the corn used to make it,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. β€œMore ethanol also means lower fuel costs for consumers, making the release of these funds a huge win for everyone in the biofuels supply chain, from the farm to the fuel tank. We applaud Sec. Rollins and the Trump Administration for their leadership, and for delivering on their promise to support American farmers and biofuel producers. We look forward to seeing how retailers put these funds to good use and will continue to work with the Administration as it aims to drive American energy dominance and rural growth by expanding access to homegrown biofuels.”

Sec. Rollins made the announcement while visiting Growth Energy Member Elite Octane’s plant in Atlantic, Iowa. Growth Energy Vice President of Market Development Jake Comer was on-hand with Sec. Rollins at other events throughout the day, along with other key biofuel leaders from Iowa.

Through grant writing for the HBIIP program, per-gallon incentives, and 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.

About E15

E15 is a fuel blend made of gasoline and 15% bioethanol. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hasΒ approvedΒ its use in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newerβ€”representing more than 96% of all vehicles on the road today. E15 can be found at over 3,700 gas stations in 33 states and is legal for sale in every state except California. Last summer drivers saved 10 to 30 cents per gallon by filling up with E15 compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, E15 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump.

Nationwide adoption of E15 would save consumers $20.6 billion in annual fuel costs, put an additional $36.3 billion in income into the pockets of American families, and generate $66.3 billion for the U.S. GDP. Learn more about E15Β here.

The post Growth Energy Applauds Release of USDA Funds to Support Biofuel Infrastructure appeared first on Growth Energy.

U.S. natural gas consumption set new winter and summer monthly records in 2024

In 2024, U.S. natural gas consumption averaged a record 90.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) and set new winter and summer monthly records in January and July, according to data in our Natural Gas Monthly. Overall, U.S. consumption last year increased 1% (0.9 Bcf/d) from 2023. In January, natural gas consumption was up 12% (12.5 Bcf/d) compared with January 2023 consumption, and in July, consumption increased by 3% (2.5 Bcf/d) compared with July 2023.

Scientists pioneer method to tackle 'forever chemicals'

Researchers have developed an innovative solution to a pressing environmental challenge: removing and destroying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly called 'forever chemicals.' A new study unveils a method that not only eliminates PFAS from water systems but also transforms waste into high-value graphene, offering a cost-effective and sustainable approach to environmental remediation.

The proportion of harmful substances in particulate matter is much higher than assumed

People breathing contaminated air over the course of years are at greater risk of developing numerous diseases. This is thought to be due to highly reactive components in particulate matter, which affect biological processes in the body. However, researchers have now shown that precisely these components disappear within hours and that previous measurements therefore completely underestimate the quantities in which they are present.

Scientists solve 'cocktail party' mystery of bat echolocation

Every night, bats emerge out of roosts in massive numbers, creating what scientists have called a 'cocktail party nightmare' of clashing echolocations. Nobody knew how bats managed this severe sensorial challenge. Now, scientists have tracked bats within a group of thousands to find out: when bats first emerge from the roost, they increase their distance from the center of the group and adjust their echolocation to maneuver safely in the areas of highest bat density.

Delicate balancing act determines how many genome gateways form in cells

As warehouses go, nuclei are more like libraries than bank vaults. Too many cellular components need access to the genome to lock it down like Fort Knox. Instead, large groupings of more than 1,000 individual protein molecules called nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) pepper the dividing membrane, serving as gateways for materials and messages entering and exiting the nucleus. While the basic need for this shuttle service is constant, scientists have shown that cells dynamically adjust their amounts of NPCs like a retail store opening more or fewer checkout lines throughout the day. Scientists now reveal the results of screening the entire human genome to find factors influencing how many NPCs are assembled.

Machine learning model to predict virus reservoirs

A new artificial intelligence tool could aid in limiting or even prevent pandemics by identifying animal species that may harbor and spread viruses capable of infecting humans. The machine learning model analyzes host characteristics and virus genetics to identify potential animal reservoirs and geographic areas where new outbreaks are more likely to occur.

Common anticancer drugs may offer new hope to PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome patients

A new study on the genetic causes of the PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome (PHTS) has found that inhibitors of the PI3ka pathway, commonly used as anticancer drugs, are also effective against this disease, reducing the extent of vascular malformations and lesion-associated pain in animal models. The research suggests the repurposing of these drugs may offer a new hope for PHTS patients, especially at younger ages.
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