USDA Awards $44.6 Million for 156 Advanced Biofuel Projects

Advanced biofuels can be made from “cellulose; crop residues; animal, food and yard waste material; biogas (landfill and sewage waste treatment gas); vegetable oil, and animal fat.” This means that advanced biofuels can be produced from resources that are available in many parts of the country. Hence, projects in 39 states received awards through the USDA’s Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels.

Oct. 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the award of $44.6 million for 156 advanced biofuel projects in 39 states through the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels .

According to the USDA press release, “Under this program, payments are made to eligible producers to support and ensure an expanding production of advanced biofuels. Payments are based on the amount of biofuels a recipient produces from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch. Eligible examples include biofuels derived from cellulose; crop residue; animal, food and yard waste material; biogas (landfill and sewage waste treatment gas); vegetable oil, and animal fat. Through this and other programs, USDA is working to support the research, investment and infrastructure necessary to build a biofuels industry that creates jobs and conserves natural resources across America.”

Congress is currently considering whether to renew this program in the next farm bill.