Illinois biofuel gets $1.5M funding boost

By Andi Anderson

On the second anniversary of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that four Illinois businesses have been awarded over $1.5 million to enhance clean energy systems and increase the availability of domestic biofuels.

The funding comes through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), a key component of the Inflation Reduction Act, which is recognized as the largest investment in U.S. history aimed at addressing climate change.

Pam Monetti, USDA’s Illinois State Director, emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, “Investing in clean energy systems and renewable fuels is crucial for both our economy and our climate. Supporting rural towns, businesses, and agricultural producers in transitioning to renewable energy systems is a major focus of Rural Development. This funding is part of our commitment to making these changes sustainable.”

The $1.5 million investment will fund the following projects in Illinois:

Malim Inc received $514,500 to install two new E15 dispensers, two E85 dispensers, two B20 dispensers, and storage tanks for ethanol and biodiesel at a fueling station in Chicago.

Pak Investments LLC secured $437,701 to expand renewable fuel sales by installing three E15 dispensers, three E85 dispensers, and ethanol storage tanks at another Chicago fueling station.

KSA Barrington Inc was granted $351,000 to install one E85 dispenser, one B20 dispenser, and storage tanks for ethanol and biodiesel at a station in Barrington.

Lucky’s Energy Service Inc received $299,669 to install a 12,600-gallon biodiesel storage tank and loading equipment at a location in Hampshire, aiming to increase biodiesel sales by 1.2 million gallons annually.

These projects underscore the USDA's commitment to promoting renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Applications for the HBIIP program are still being accepted until September 30, 2024.

This significant investment highlights the ongoing efforts to combat climate change while supporting the rural economy in Illinois by providing the necessary infrastructure to increase the availability and use of renewable fuels across the state.

Photo Credit: usda