Washington, D.C., February 28, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will deliver remarks at the National Farmers Union Annual Convention and tour the Port of Savannah MONDAY, March 2, 2020.
Secretary Perdue to deliver remarks at the National Farmers Union Annual Convention
WHAT: Secretary Perdue will deliver remarks at the National Farmers Union. Following the event, Secretary Perdue will hold a media availability.
WHEN: MONDAY, March 2nd at 8:30am ET.
WHERE: Hyatt Regency Savannah, 2 West Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401
Secretary Perdue to tour the Port of Savannah
WHAT: Secretary Perdue will tour the Port of Savanah. Following the tour, Secretary Perdue will hold a media availability.
WHEN: MONDAY, March 2nd at 10:30am ET.
WHERE: Georgia Ports Authority Administrative Building, 2 Main Street, Port Wentworth, GA 31407
*NOTE: Tour will be done by bus of the Garden City Terminal. Portions will be closed to the press.
===================
UTAH ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TO CELEBRATE READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY
Hundreds of volunteers to gather, read to elementary school students!
SALT LAKE CITY — On Monday, March 2, hundreds of volunteers will kick off a week of reading to Utah elementary students, as part of the National Education Association’s Read Across America initiative.
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United Way of Salt Lake is partnering with 15 schools in Salt Lake county that are hosting fun, literacy-themed volunteer and reading events from March 2-6. Throughout the week, volunteers will join together to read books in classrooms, play literacy games, and run themed activities for students and their families – all in an effort to instill a passion for reading in students!
The national event, now in its 22nd year, is designed to encourage students to find the fun in reading. This message is especially important to the Title 1 elementary schools involved – where 70-90 percent of students receive free or reduced lunch. Nearly all these students face economic or language barriers, creating additional academic challenges for them to overcome.
Participating schools are United Way of Salt Lake Community Schools, and part of collaborative partnerships with Canyons School District, Granite School District and dozens of nonprofit organizations. Community Schools serve as a resource for students, families, and the broader community, creating a web of support focused on improving academic outcomes for low-income students.
*
###
About UWSL: United Way of Salt Lake is working to create long-term change by harnessing the power of nonprofits, government, corporations, and thousands of individuals to work together and solve the most difficult problems we face as a community. Our goal is that every child succeeds, every step of the way. You can be a part of the change and help put #UtahKidsFirst. Learn more at uw.org.
===================
White working-class men may be just the voting bloc to help defeat Trump
by Rob Okun
687 words
Working-class white men supported Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton by 71 percent to 23 percent… Why?
—Robert D. Francis, “Him, Not Her: Why Working-Class White Men Reluctant About Trump Still Made Him President of the United States” in Socius journal, 2018
There’s an underappreciated voting bloc that could help to unseat Donald Trump in November: white working-class men. Many white male voters chose Trump in 2016 because they believed his campaign promises to revive the coal industry and to jumpstart US manufacturing. Once in office, he broke both of those promises.
These men are still on the outside looking in—their noses pressed against the bakery window of the American dream—betrayed, watching as one-percenters gorge themselves on tax-break goodies. Are they beginning to realize that they’ve been scammed?
Although there are millions of these men to reach out to, there’s a, well, elephant in the room. Progressive activists, so quick to empathize with the struggles other groups of voters, usually fail to include working-class white men, callously generalizing that “men don’t have problems; they are the problem,” as journalist and historian Andrew Yarrow has said. We cannot afford to leave these men on the outside for another day.
When the modern-day antisexist men’s movement (composed of mainly privileged white men) began working to transform men and manhood four decades ago, many began by acknowledging—reluctantly at first—that conventional masculinity unfairly advantaged men. When it came to men who liked their masculinity just-as-it-is-thank you, we had a huge blind spot. While we began rejecting our own male socialization, we were intolerant, arrogantly characterizing these men as "unenlightened.” Indifferent to their struggles, we were self-righteousness and judgmental more than empathetic and compassionate.
Don’t get me wrong. Men who stubbornly refuse to give up unearned privilege must be challenged. At the same time, if we cede hurting males to the men’s rights movement then these men will likely continue to vote against their own self-interest. It has always been important to reach out to these men; in 2020 it's imperative.
Years ago I led groups for men acting abusively in their relationships. Our philosophy was based on “compassionate confrontation”—yes, we would hold you accountable for your behavior toward your partner, and yes, we would treat you humanely as a person. No shaming; no humiliating. If we write off 2020’s alienated working-class men, we are missing an opportunity to connect with their humanity. We can simultaneously demand more of these men and empathize with their reality—especially the emotional toll the economic strain they’re under has taken, especially on those unable to adequately provide for their families.
White working-class men deserve a place in the tent of the marginalized. Once inside it’s possible they will become part of a grassroots movement working for the disadvantaged. They can simultaneously be empathized with and challenged.
Yarrow wrote:
Helping all people in physical, socioeconomic, and psychological distress should be a defining characteristic of a humane, caring, and democratic society. However, in our bitterly divided times, these foundational goals have been politicized: Many on the right have drawn attention to men’s problems, some thoughtfully but more often to bash feminism and women, while many on the left are silent because they are implausibly unaware of such issues or, more likely, that highlighting them would be deemed politically incorrect. This failure of liberals is not only morally wrong, but it also hurts their own prospects of winning broader support among men.
While many white working-class male voters still condone Trump’s unethical, illegal actions, is their support for him unshakable? It is possible that as more revelations of his malfeasance come to light—not to mention being reminded of how he abandoned them—some may begin to desert him. And their numbers could snowball.
In Chinese there is no equivalent for the word “crisis.” Rather, there are two symbols, one above the other. The top symbol means “danger”; the bottom “opportunity.” In considering the plight of white working-class men, we have to recognize the danger inherent in leaving these men outside the big tent of change, and the opportunity if we invite them in.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Rob Okun (rob@voicemalemagazine.org), syndicated by PeaceVoice, is editor of Voice Male magazine and of the anthology, VOICE MALE: The Untold Story of the Profeminist Men’s Movement.
===================
Secretary Perdue Announces New RD Leadership
Perdue Commends “DJ” LaVoy on Retirement and Successful Career
(Washington, D.C., February 28, 2020) – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced Bette Brand will serve as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Deputy Under Secretary following the retirement of Donald “DJ” LaVoy.
“DJ LaVoy is a true public servant and brought decades of leadership in economic development and affordable housing. We are appreciative of his service here at USDA and wish him nothing but the best as he heads into retirement,” said Secretary Perdue. “The mission of Rural Development to improve the economy and quality of life in rural America will continue to advance with Bette at the helm. Like President Trump, Bette’s drive and tenacity to fight for those living in rural areas and to increase rural prosperity is admirable. She is perfectly suited for this role.”
Background:
DJ has more than 22 years of experience working as a leader in affordable housing and economic development at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. LaVoy created and served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) where he was responsible for driving agency innovation. LaVoy led the replacement of numerous, outdated IT data collection systems with data streaming, and web portals architecture in a cloud environment. LaVoy also partnered with members of the federal family and all 58 State Housing Finance Agencies to lead the way in establishing a universal inspection standard for federally subsidized properties. LaVoy started his career with the United States Marine Corps and is a marine aviator and combat veteran. He earned his Bachelor of Applied Science Degree from Old Dominion University and his Master of Industrial Engineering from U.S. Army War College.
Bette Brand most recently served as the Administrator of Rural Development’s Rural Business Service agency. She came to USDA after 35 years with Farm Credit of the Virginias, where she served as chief advocate for the agriculture industry and rural businesses, supporting producers at the state and national level and educating policymakers and consumers on agriculture. Prior to this, Brand served as Chief Sales Officer, overseeing the business development of a $1.6 billion credit portfolio, managing a team of commercial agriculture and agribusiness lenders, and supervising FCV’s marketing and branding. She has wide-ranging experience promoting rural communities, having served on the Virginia Agribusiness Council, the Virginia Horse Council, the Virginia Cooperative Council, and the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. Since her arrival to USDA in January 2018, Brand has prioritized increasing rural America’s access to capital, investing in innovative technology, and helping businesses create jobs. She especially enjoys travelling across the country in her official capacity as Administrator to better understand the specific needs of America’s diverse rural communities and to discuss with local leaders the best way to serve them. By focusing on Infrastructure, Partnerships, and Innovation, Administrator Brand looks forward to continuing her work to help revitalize America’s rural economy. Administrator Brand has a degree in Animal Science and an MBA from Virginia Tech. She and her husband David live in Roanoke, Virginia and have three grown sons.
###
USDA Opens Wildfires and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+)
Sign up March 23, 2020, for Producers Impacted by Drought or Excess Moisture as well as Announces Provisions for Sugar Beet Producers
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 28, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced additional disaster assistance available to agricultural producers, including producers impacted by drought and excess moisture as well as sugar beet growers. Through WHIP+, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is helping producers recover from losses related to 2018 and 2019 natural disasters.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will open signup on March 23 for producers to apply for eligible losses of drought (D3 or above) and excess moisture. USDA is also entering into agreements with six sugar beet processing cooperatives to distribute $285 million to grower members of those cooperatives who experienced loss.
“It’s true that farmers and ranchers are no strangers to the impact natural disasters have on their operations, but disaster events the past two years have been atypically widespread, relentless and unforgiving,” Secretary Perdue said. “In some instances, producers have suffered multiple disaster events in one year or in several years back-to-back. I am pleased that Congress has afforded USDA the authority to continue providing much-needed assistance to producers who have lost so much these last few years. President Trump has the backs of our farmers, and we aim to support them as they recover.”
In June 2019, more than $3 billion was made available through a disaster relief package passed by Congress and signed by President Trump. In December 2019, Congress passed, and President Trump signed the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 that provides an additional $1.5 billion for the continuation of disaster assistance program delivery.
WHIP+ New Qualifying Disaster Events
The Appropriations bill added excessive moisture and D3 and D4 drought as qualifying losses for WHIP+ assistance.
Beginning March 23, producers who suffered either of these types of loss in 2018 and/or 2019 can apply for WHIP+ assistance at their local FSA office. For drought, a producer is eligible if any area of the county in which the loss occurred was rated D3 (Extreme Drought) or higher on the U.S. Drought Monitor during calendar years 2018 or 2019.
WHIP+ Sugar Beet Loss Assistance
As also directed in the Appropriations bill, USDA will provide $285 million through sugar beet processing cooperatives to compensate grower members for sugar beet crop losses in 2018 and 2019. Details will be finalized in agreements between USDA and participating sugar beet processing cooperatives. Sugar beet producers who are members of these cooperatives and experienced losses may contact their cooperative for more information about how this sugar beet crop assistance will be administered.
WHIP+ for Quality Loss
In addition, producers have reported widespread crop quality loss from eligible disaster events that results in price deductions or penalties when marketing the damaged crops. The Appropriations bill expands WHIP+ to include assistance for crop quality loss. FSA is gathering data and input from producers and stakeholders regarding the extent and types of quality loss nationwide.
“Providing assistance for quality loss is complicated, and we are actively gathering data and input on how to administer quality loss assistance for producers,” said Farm Production and Conservation Undersecretary Bill Northey.
Eligibility
To be eligible for WHIP+, producers must have suffered losses of certain crops, trees, bushes, or vines in counties with a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration or a Secretarial Disaster Designation (primary counties only) for the following named natural disaster events; hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, typhoons, volcanic activity, snowstorms, wildfires, and now excessive moisture that occurred in 2018 or 2019. Also, losses located in a county not designated by the Secretary as a primary county may be eligible if the producer provides documentation showing that the loss was due to a qualifying natural disaster event.
For drought, counties having a D3 or D4 Drought Monitor classification in any portion of the county anytime during calendar year 2018 or 2019 will also be eligible.
A list of counties that received qualifying hurricane declarations and designations is available at farmers.gov/recover/whip-plus. The U.S. Drought Monitor is available at droughtmonitor.unl.edu.
Because livestock losses are covered by other disaster recovery programs offered through FSA, these losses are not eligible for WHIP+.
Governor signs SB121
SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 28, 2020) – Gov. Gary R. Herbert signed SB121 today in preparation for the State’s first medical cannabis dispensary to open at the start of next week. This brings the total number of signed pieces of legislation from the 2020 General Legislative Session so far to 12. Information on this bill can be found below.
Medical Cannabis Amendments, Vickers. E.
The governor has released the following statement:
“This bill makes needed adjustments and clarifications to Utah’s medical cannabis law. These changes will help us ensure that Utah patients have the best possible access to cannabis products as our new program rolls out on Monday, March 2.”
=================
Dear Editor:
Please consider this short challenging piece on coronavirus. Thank you,
Coronavirus, thanks to Trump
by Tom H. Hastings
430 words
Trump has tossed open the door to coronavirus coming into the US. Thanks, Dear Leader.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) had protocols for managing the exclusion and containment of the new viral disease and Trump ignored them. Indeed, he violated them and the result is we have the disease here in the US now, spreading.
Great work, Donald. You’ve now just made Americans sick, some will die, and the economy is headed to disaster, with global losses in excess of $5 trillion already and the impacts are only beginning. Businesses, schools, and agencies are closing from Japan to Germany and it’s all coming this way now, due to sheer moronic incompetency. The Ukraine root of Trump’s impeachment is looking flyspeck minor in contrast to what he has done now.
But why would I say this, that it’s Trump’s fault?
Because the CDC developed best practice medically sound methods of running an effective quarantine, which ought to have been applied to the exposed, infected, and quarantined cruise ship passengers locked down at Travis Air Force base in California.
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar ignored those CDC protocols and sent some untrained, unequipped government employees into the quarantined area at Travis, who interacted with infected coronavirus patients. Then those unprotected exposed employees left and dispersed back to their communities, including the communities where the “mysterious” coronavirus patients began to pop up.
So, from Travis AFB, the virus spread to the northern California communities around the base, then to Portland, Oregon. It is now in the wild, a harbinger of a coming epidemic. Other HHS exposed employees got on commercial flights back to other parts of the US. Kiss this attempt to keep out the virus goodbye.
Thanks, Trump. Your boy Azar was so incompetent that the CDC demanded that their good name not be associated with his practices. Indeed, one of the personnel involved is now a whistleblower who tipped us all off to how this has gone down.
Did Trump intend to spread this virus? Did Putin tell him to do so? I mean, Trump has been shushing others, medical experts, who want to give the American public fair warning and advice.
Trump actually called COVID-19 a “hoax.”
This idiocy is worthy of carnival barker Alex Jones and his wild lies about...everything. Who is feeding “information” to Trump? He rejects it from scientists. He ignores and dismisses it from all the intelligence agencies. And now he disputes and silences the medical public health professionals and officials who are trying to save American lives.
Trump is a dangerous traitor.
—30—
Dr. Tom H. Hastings is PeaceVoice Director and on occasion an expert witness for the defense in court.
==================
How to ensure a magical summer for your child with ADHD, one that reinforces self-esteem, leadership and social skills, and more? Start planning now >
Summer camps & activity ideas for children with ADHD
View this email in your browser
SUMMER OPTIONS
Finding a Camp Your Child Will Love
Would your child benefit from a camp that focuses on learning challenges? What about sports? Social skills? Pure fun? Learn your options, and determine which type of summer program is the best fit for your child with ADHD.
PLUS: 12 questions to ask before registering for a camp >
Activities That Build Skills
Summer vacation offers an opportunity for whole-child growth. How to bolster leadership, self-esteem, and more.
How to Coach the Coach
Team sports can help our kids gain confidence — if the coach "gets" ADHD. Help make athletics a win-win.
What About After High School?
Summer transition programs can help teens gain valuable life skills before heading off to a job or college.
The Summer Project Plan
Engage your child in an interactive, hands-on 'passion project' while school's out. How to get started >
FREE WEBINAR ON MARCH 3
Become an EF Detective
Learn how to pinpoint your child's biggest executive function shortfalls, and problem-solve solutions. Register »
FREE WEBINAR ON MARCH 17
The New ADHD Guidelines
Learn what parents can and should expect from clinicians based on the revised AAP guidelines. Register now »
===================
How to ensure a magical summer for your child with ADHD, one that reinforces self-esteem, leadership and social skills, and more? Start planning now >
Summer camps & activity ideas for children with ADHD
View this email in your browser
SUMMER OPTIONS
Finding a Camp Your Child Will Love
Would your child benefit from a camp that focuses on learning challenges? What about sports? Social skills? Pure fun? Learn your options, and determine which type of summer program is the best fit for your child with ADHD.
PLUS: 12 questions to ask before registering for a camp >
Activities That Build Skills
Summer vacation offers an opportunity for whole-child growth. How to bolster leadership, self-esteem, and more.
How to Coach the Coach
Team sports can help our kids gain confidence — if the coach "gets" ADHD. Help make athletics a win-win.
What About After High School?
Summer transition programs can help teens gain valuable life skills before heading off to a job or college.
The Summer Project Plan
Engage your child in an interactive, hands-on 'passion project' while school's out. How to get started >
FREE WEBINAR ON MARCH 3
Become an EF Detective
Learn how to pinpoint your child's biggest executive function shortfalls, and problem-solve solutions. Register »
FREE WEBINAR ON MARCH 17
The New ADHD Guidelines
Learn what parents can and should expect from clinicians based on the revised AAP guidelines. Register now »
How to ensure a magical summer for your child with ADHD, one that reinforces self-esteem, leadership and social skills, and more? Start planning now >
Summer camps & activity ideas for children with ADHD
View this email in your browser
SUMMER OPTIONS
Finding a Camp Your Child Will Love
Would your child benefit from a camp that focuses on learning challenges? What about sports? Social skills? Pure fun? Learn your options, and determine which type of summer program is the best fit for your child with ADHD.
PLUS: 12 questions to ask before registering for a camp >
Activities That Build Skills
Summer vacation offers an opportunity for whole-child growth. How to bolster leadership, self-esteem, and more.
How to Coach the Coach
Team sports can help our kids gain confidence — if the coach "gets" ADHD. Help make athletics a win-win.
What About After High School?
Summer transition programs can help teens gain valuable life skills before heading off to a job or college.
The Summer Project Plan
Engage your child in an interactive, hands-on 'passion project' while school's out. How to get started >
FREE WEBINAR ON MARCH 3
Become an EF Detective
Learn how to pinpoint your child's biggest executive function shortfalls, and problem-solve solutions. Register »
FREE WEBINAR ON MARCH 17
The New ADHD Guidelines
Learn what parents can and should expect from clinicians based on the revised AAP guidelines. Register now »
Secretary Perdue Directs USDA Fleet to Increase Biofuels Usage, Announces Notice of Funding for Biofuels Infrastructure Program
(Washington, D.C., February 28, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued a memo today directing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to acquire alternative fueled vehicles (AFV) when replacing conventionally fueled vehicles. USDA owns and operates one of the largest civilian fleets in the Federal Government and this move to a fleet that can use E85 or biodiesel will increase efficiencies and performance. Additionally, as part of the President Donald J. Trump’s October agreement to seek opportunities to facilitate the availability of higher biofuel blends across the country, USDA will make $100 million in grants available this year for the newly created Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). Through this program, transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities will be able to apply for grants to help install, retrofit, and/or upgrade fuel storage, dispenser pumps, related equipment and infrastructure to be able to sell ethanol and biodiesel. The Department plans to publish application deadlines and other program information in the Federal Register this spring.
“Both of these actions underscore USDA is putting our money where our mouth is when it comes to increased biofuels usage. Expanding nationwide infrastructure that offers biofuels and increasing the number of biofuel capable vehicles in our fleet will increase the use of environmentally friendly fuel with decreased emissions, driving demand for our farmers and improving the air we breathe,” Secretary Perdue said. “President Trump is fighting for our corn and soybean growers and biofuel producers by finalizing year-round E15, ensuring that more than 15 billion gallons of ethanol and 2.43 billion gallons of biodiesel enters the market in 2020, and opening up new markets abroad. USDA will continue to do its part to encourage the use of homegrown energy.”
Background on Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP):
HBIIP will consist of up to $100 million in funding for competitive grants or sales incentives to eligible entities for activities designed to expand the sales and use of ethanol and biodiesel fuels. Funds will be made directly available to assist transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities with converting to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends by sharing the costs related to and/or offering sales incentives for the installation of fuel pumps, related equipment, and infrastructure. Cost-share grants and/or incentives will be made available for higher fuel ethanol/biodiesel blends such as “E15” and “B20” (or higher), at vehicle fueling locations, including, but not limited to, local fueling stations, convenience stores (CS), hypermarket fueling stations (HFS), and/or fleet facilities, as well as fuel terminals for biodiesel. Prospective participants and stakeholders should expect additional specific program information and requirements to be published by mid-spring which will clarify the application process, eligibility, and how applications for grant funding will be scored.
Background on USDA Fleet:
USDA owns and operates one of the largest civilian fleets in the Federal Government. USDA is moving to acquire E85- or biodiesel-capable vehicles that meet USDA mission requirements instead of those that take conventional gasoline. This will occur over time during the normal fleet renewal process. USDA currently has 37,000 vehicles and replaces approximately 3,000 every year. Secretary Perdue directed USDA to:
These actions have the potential to increase USDA’s annual consumption of E15 by up to 9 million gallons, E85 by 10 million gallons, and biodiesel and renewable diesel blends by up to 3 million gallons. As availability of E15, E85, and biodiesel expands through the nation, USDA has the opportunity to reach these goals and have a significant impact. Where biofuels are available, the USDA fleet is directed to use biofuels.
Background on USDA’s Agricultural Innovation Agenda:
Earlier this month, Secretary Perdue unveiled the Agricultural Innovation Agenda, a department-wide initiative to align resources, programs, and research to position American agriculture to better meet future global demands. Investing in the availability of innovative fuels for American consumers supports this vision while we fulfill our motto to “Do Right and Feed Everyone.”
###
Secretary Perdue Directs USDA Fleet to Increase Biofuels Usage, Announces Notice of Funding for Biofuels Infrastructure Program
(Washington, D.C., February 28, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued a memo today directing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to acquire alternative fueled vehicles (AFV) when replacing conventionally fueled vehicles. USDA owns and operates one of the largest civilian fleets in the Federal Government and this move to a fleet that can use E85 or biodiesel will increase efficiencies and performance. Additionally, as part of the President Donald J. Trump’s October agreement to seek opportunities to facilitate the availability of higher biofuel blends across the country, USDA will make $100 million in grants available this year for the newly created Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). Through this program, transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities will be able to apply for grants to help install, retrofit, and/or upgrade fuel storage, dispenser pumps, related equipment and infrastructure to be able to sell ethanol and biodiesel. The Department plans to publish application deadlines and other program information in the Federal Register this spring.
“Both of these actions underscore USDA is putting our money where our mouth is when it comes to increased biofuels usage. Expanding nationwide infrastructure that offers biofuels and increasing the number of biofuel capable vehicles in our fleet will increase the use of environmentally friendly fuel with decreased emissions, driving demand for our farmers and improving the air we breathe,” Secretary Perdue said. “President Trump is fighting for our corn and soybean growers and biofuel producers by finalizing year-round E15, ensuring that more than 15 billion gallons of ethanol and 2.43 billion gallons of biodiesel enters the market in 2020, and opening up new markets abroad. USDA will continue to do its part to encourage the use of homegrown energy.”
Background on Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP):
HBIIP will consist of up to $100 million in funding for competitive grants or sales incentives to eligible entities for activities designed to expand the sales and use of ethanol and biodiesel fuels. Funds will be made directly available to assist transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities with converting to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends by sharing the costs related to and/or offering sales incentives for the installation of fuel pumps, related equipment, and infrastructure. Cost-share grants and/or incentives will be made available for higher fuel ethanol/biodiesel blends such as “E15” and “B20” (or higher), at vehicle fueling locations, including, but not limited to, local fueling stations, convenience stores (CS), hypermarket fueling stations (HFS), and/or fleet facilities, as well as fuel terminals for biodiesel. Prospective participants and stakeholders should expect additional specific program information and requirements to be published by mid-spring which will clarify the application process, eligibility, and how applications for grant funding will be scored.
Background on USDA Fleet:
USDA owns and operates one of the largest civilian fleets in the Federal Government. USDA is moving to acquire E85- or biodiesel-capable vehicles that meet USDA mission requirements instead of those that take conventional gasoline. This will occur over time during the normal fleet renewal process. USDA currently has 37,000 vehicles and replaces approximately 3,000 every year. Secretary Perdue directed USDA to:
These actions have the potential to increase USDA’s annual consumption of E15 by up to 9 million gallons, E85 by 10 million gallons, and biodiesel and renewable diesel blends by up to 3 million gallons. As availability of E15, E85, and biodiesel expands through the nation, USDA has the opportunity to reach these goals and have a significant impact. Where biofuels are available, the USDA fleet is directed to use biofuels.
Background on USDA’s Agricultural Innovation Agenda:
Earlier this month, Secretary Perdue unveiled the Agricultural Innovation Agenda, a department-wide initiative to align resources, programs, and research to position American agriculture to better meet future global demands. Investing in the availability of innovative fuels for American consumers supports this vision while we fulfill our motto to “Do Right and Feed Everyone.”
###
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