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USDA seeks feedback to build out biofuels infrastructure

The USDA is formally gathering feedback on ways to boost sales of ethanol and biodiesel.

The Department announced in the Federal Register Wednesday it is looking to build upon the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.

Speaking to Brownfield at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Thursday, Deputy Ag Secretary Stephen Censky says they already have several good ideas.

“Particularly on the ethanol side, what we can do to try to make sure that there are pumps in place that are capable of dispensing the higher blends of ethanol.”

He says they want to make sure fuel retailers are providing the proper hoses and signage.

“When they do make that jump from just offering E10 to E15, that they do so at the majority of their pumps and don’t just put one pump off in a corner of the lot, but it has to be offered at the majority of the pumps (and) on the center islands.”

Censky appreciates the input from the biofuels industry, but says USDA wants to hear even more.