-  About RD                  -  Key Priorities 
              -  History 
              -  Farm Bill 
              -  Grant Awards 
              -  Careers at Rural Development 
              -  Rural Data Gateway 
              -  Leadership 
              -  Agencies                    -   Rural Business-Cooperative Service 
                -   Rural Housing Service 
                -   Rural Utilities Service 
              -  Offices                    -  Business Center 
                -  Civil Rights                       -  Civil Rights Contacts 
                  -  Equal Employment Opportunity Branch 
                  -  Program Compliant Processing and Resolution Branch 
                  -  Program Compliance and Training Branch 
                  -  Posters 
                  -  Civil Rights Training 
                  -  Limited English Proficiency 
                  -  Civil Rights Library 
                  -  Accessibility Statement 
                -  External Affairs 
                -  Innovation Center                      -  Innovation Center Divisions 
                -  Risk Office 
                -  State Offices 
                -  Servicing Office 
              -  Initiatives 
              -  Tribal Relations 
            -  State Offices 
            -  Programs & Services                  -  Programs                    -  BioPreferred Program 
                -  Business Programs 
                -  Community Facilities Programs 
                -  Electric Programs 
                -  Energy Programs 
                -  Inflation Reduction Act Programs 
                -  Multifamily Housing Programs 
                -  Single Family Housing Programs                      -  Homeowner Assistance Fund FAQs 
                -  Telecommunications Programs                      -  Telecom Maps 
                -  Water & Environmental Programs 
              -  Services                    -  For Engineers 
                -  For Water & Environmental Engineers 
                -  RUS Interest Rates 
                -  RD Apply 
                -  Rural Development Disaster Assistance 
                -  RUS Program Borrowers 
                -  Cooperative Services 
            -  Newsroom                  -  News Releases 
              -  Stakeholder Announcements 
              -  Tribal Outreach 
              -  Success Stories 
              -  Federal Funding Opportunities 
              -  Blog 
              -  Radio 
              -  Archived News Releases 
            -  Resources                  -  Acronyms 
              -  Directives                    -  Administrative Notices 
                -  Electric Sample Documents 
                -  Form Letters 
                -  Guide Letters 
                -  Handbooks 
                -  Informational Publications 
                -  Instructions 
                -  Procedures Notices 
                -  Unnumbered Letters 
              -  Disaster Assistance                    -  We Care Letters 
              -  Environmental Studies                    -  Assessments 
                -  FPEP Environmental Review Comment Submissions 
                -  Impact Statements 
                -  Environmental Guidance 
              -  Forms                    -  E-Forms 
                -  Departmental Forms 
                -  RUS Forms 
              -  Publications                    -  Brochures 
                -  Fact Sheets 
                -  Reports 
                -  Resource Guides 
                -  Publications for Cooperatives 
              -  Regulations and Guidance                    -  Federal Register Publications 
                -  Program Regulations 
                -  Guidance Documents 
                -  Bulletins 
              -  Rural Data Gateway 
              -  LINC Training Library 
              -  Lender List 
              -  RBCS How-To Apply Video Series for Applicants 
            -  Contact Us                  -  National Office 
              -  State Offices 
              -  Area Offices 
              -  Loan Servicing 
              -  Press Office 
              -  Field Accountants 
              -  Electric GFR 
              -  ReConnect GFRs 
              -  Telecom GFR 
              -  State Energy Coordinators 
              -  Civil Rights Contacts 
              -  Freedom of Information Act                    -  FOIA Reading Room 

                  - English
                  - Spanish

# Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program

**Fact Sheet

Federal Register NoticeGrants.gov Posting

##             Overview          

### Federal Register Notice FY 22

### What does this program do?

The purpose of the HBIIP is to increase significantly the sales and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel by expanding the infrastructure for renewable fuels derived from U.S. agricultural products.

The program is also intended to encourage a more comprehensive approach to market higher blends by sharing the costs related to building out biofuel-related infrastructure.

### Who may apply?

Transportation fueling facilities including:
                                    - Fueling stations, convenience stores, hypermarket fueling stations, fleet facilities (including rail and marine), and similar entities with capital investments;

Fuel distribution facilities, such as:
                                    - Terminal operations, depots, and midstream partners, and similarly equivalent operations.
                                    - Home heating oil distribution facilities

### What funding is available?

Under HBIIP, approximately $90 million is made available each quarter to:
                                    - Fueling stations, convenience stores, hypermarket fueling stations, fleet facilities, and similar entities with capital investments) for eligible implementation activities related to higher blends of fuel ethanol greater than 10 percent ethanol, such as E15 or higher, and biodiesel greater than 5 percent biodiesel, such as B20 or higher; and
                                    - Terminal operations, depots, midstream partners, and home heating oil distributors for eligible implementation activities related to higher blends of fuel ethanol greater than 10 percent ethanol, such as E15 or higher, and biodiesel greater than 5 percent biodiesel, such as B20 or higher.

### What are the terms?

Awards to successful applicants will be in the form of cost-share grants for up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs, but not to exceed $5 million, whichever is less.

### What's new?

These changes were made to help improve HBIIP:
                                    -  On a quarterly basis, make available approximately $67.5 million to transportation fueling facilities, $18 million to fuel distribution facilities, and $4.5 million to home heating oil distribution facilities. 
                                    -  Home heating oil distribution facility (80% or more annual throughput volume is home heating oil)” as an applicant type. 
                                    -  Increase Federal cost share for eligible activities to 75 percent for transportation fueling facilities who own 10 fueling stations or fewer and for home heating oil distribution facilities (80% or more annual throughput volume is home heating oil). 
                                    -  Updated capped costs for fuel dispensers and fuel storage tanks for transportation fueling facility applicants.   

### How do we get started?

Click the “To Apply” tab above for application instructions and other resources.

### Who can answer questions?

Jeff Carpenter(402) 437-5554HBIIP@usda.gov

Persons with disabilities that require alternative means for communication should contact the USDA Target Center at (202)720–2600 (voice).

### Why does USDA Rural Development do this?

This program helps increase American energy independence. It increases the private sector supply of renewable energy.

This program will share the costs related to the upgrading of fuel dispensers (gas and diesel pumps), related equipment, and other infrastructure required at a location to ensure the environmentally safe availability of fuel containing ethanol blends greater than 10 percent or fuel containing biodiesel blends greater than 5 percent.

NOTE: Because citations and other information may be subject to change, please always consult the program instructions listed in the section above titled “What law governs this program?” You may also contact your local office for assistance.

##             To Apply          

To apply for the Higher Blends Grant program, please review the online application checklist below to determine the important documents you will need. You must also submit your completed HBIIP Online Access Request to HBIIP@usda.gov to gain access to the online application system.

### Important Documents

### Accessing Forms

If you are using Google Chrome, your browser settings may require you to first download the form and then open the form.

If an error message populates when opening these forms, please follow these steps to resolve the error:
                                      - Open your version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
                                      - Go to the menu and click “Edit”.
                                      - Next click “Preferences” and under the “Categories” drop down select “General”.
                                      - Under the General, uncheck the option “show online storage when saving files” and then click the OK button.

                                  - RBCS How-To Apply Video Series for Applicants
                                  - Checklist for Online Application System  -  Updated March 2024
                                  - System for Award Management
                                  - USDA eAuthentication
                                  - HBIIP Online Access Request
                                  - HBIIP Online Grant Application Instruction Guide                                       - Single Point of Contact List for Executive Order 12372 requirements   (sec:  7.5.2.9. and 7.6.1.6.)
                                    - Dispensers and Fueling Equipment Reference Guide  (sec: 7.5.6. and 7.5.7.)
                                    - HBIIP Project Technical Report Guide  (sec: 7.8)		                                       - Sample HBIIP Transportation Fueling Facility Project Technical Report
                                      - Sample HBIIP Fuel Distribution Facility Project Technical Report
                                    - Environmental Review Documents Guide  (sec: 7.8)
                                    - Preliminary Environmental Information Survey  (sec: 7.8.)
                                    - Matching Funds Verification/Certification Guide  (sec:  7.7.2 and 7.8)
                                    - SF 424D Assurances - Construction Programs  (sec: 7.8)		                                       - SF 424D – Assurances – Construction Programs Instructions  (sec: 7.8.)

### 

### Other Resources

                                  - Fuels Institute Retailing Biofuels Federal Regulations
                                  - Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol-Gasoline Blends
                                  - Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (Sixth Edition)
                                  - FAQs
                                  - USDA Energy Investment Map
                                  - USDA Energy Matrix

##             Other Requirements          

## Federal Register Notices

                                  - 06/28/23  Notice of Funding Opportunity For Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program For Fiscal Year 2023 and 2024
                                  - 11/15/22  Correction - Federal Register of August 23, 2022 in FR Doc. 2022–18123
                                  - 08/23/22  Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) for Fiscal Year 2022 
                                  - 12/21/20  Solicitation of Applications for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) for Fiscal Year 2021 
                                  - 06/24/20  Notice of Funds Availability for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) for Fiscal Year 2020; Correction
                                  - 05/15/20   Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) for Fiscal Year 2020 
                                  - 05/05/20  NOFA for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program for FY2020 
                                  - 02/28/20  Federal Register Notice of Future Competitive Grant 
                                  - 01/16/20  Federal Register Notice Request for Information

## Technical Guidance

                                  - Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements for Owners and Operators of Underground Storage Tanks (UST), 40 C.F.R. Part 280 and Part 281;  
                                  - Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives, 40 C.F.R. Part 80; 
                                  - Occupational Safety and Health Standards Subpart H—Hazardous Materials Section 106—Flammable Liquids, 29 C.F.R. §1910.106;
                                  - Safety and Health Regulations for Construction Subpart F—Fire Protection and Prevention Section 152—Flammable Liquids, 29 C.F.R. §1926.152; 
                                  - Automotive Fuel Ratings, Certification, and Posting, 16 C.F.R. Part 306;
                                  - Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol-Gasoline Blends
                                  - Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide
                                  - Rural Development environmental  requirements can be found here:  RD 1970 Environmental Policies and Procedures. 
                                  - Benefits of the 1970 environmental regulations are described here:  7 CFR 1970 Benefits.

## FAQs

There are no additional requirements at the national level. 

Consult your State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for any additional state and/or local requirements and available resources.

You may also consult your State Rural Development Energy Coordinator.

##             Contact          

Jeff Carpenter(402) 437-5554HBIIP@usda.gov

Consult your State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for any additional state and/or local requirements and available resources.

Persons with disabilities that require alternative means for communication should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Target Center at (202)720–2600 (voice).

##             Events          

### Upcoming Webinars

### Past Webinars

#### Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Training 

                                  - July 6, 2023:  Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) Overview and Enrollment Orientation  PowerPoint  |  Webinar  |  FAQ
                                  - The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) Environmental Review Process for Applicants |  PowerPoint  |  Webinar 
                                  - The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) Transportation Fueling Facility Applicant Deep Dive |  PowerPoint  |  Webinar 
                                  - The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) Transportation Fueling Facility Applicant (Rail/Marine) Deep Dive |  PowerPoint  |  Webinar
                                  - The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) Fuel Distribution Facility Applicant Deep Dive |  PowerPoint  |  Webinar 
                                  - The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) Post Selection Next Steps |  PowerPoint  |  Webinar 

#### FY 22 Training

                                  - Tuesday, October 18, 2022: Office Hours |  Q&As
                                  - Wednesday, October 5, 2022: Office Hours 
                                  - Tuesday, September 27, 2022: The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) Fuel Distribution Facility Applicant Deep Dive |  PowerPoint  |  Q&As  |  Recording
                                  - Thursday, September 22, 2022: The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) Transportation Fueling Facility Applicant (Rail/Marine) Deep Dive |  PowerPoint  |  Q&As  |  Recording
                                  - Tuesday, September 20, 2022: The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIP) Transportation Fueling Facility Applicant Deep Dive |  PowerPoint  |  Q&As  |  Recording
                                  - Tuesday, September 13, 2022: The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIP) Environmental Review Process for Applicants |  PowerPoint  |  Q&As  |  Recording
                                  - August 30, 2022: Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) Overview and Enrollment Orientation |  PowerPoint  |  Q&As  |  Recording

#### 2nd Window Training

                                  - January 5, 2021: Question & Answer Hour  	Webinar Recording | PowerPoint | Q&As
                                  - December 30, 2020 : 2nd Window Training Follow-up  	Webinar Recording  | PowerPoint | Q&As
                                  - December 22, 2020 :  2nd Window Training  	Webinar Recording | PowerPoint (TBA) |  Q&As

#### Environmental Review

                                  - July 16, 2020: HBIIP Environmental Review - New Timeline   Recording  |  PowerPoint 
                                  - July 9, 2020 :  HBIIP Environmental Review Process for Applicants    Recording  |  PowerPoint

#### Introduction of HBIIP

                                  - June 2, 2020:  HBIIP Applicant Stakeholder Check-In  Recording  |  PowerPoint  |  Q&As  |  Transcripts
                                  - May 26, 2020: HBIIP Fueling Distribution Facilities   Recording  |  PowerPoint  |  Q&As  |  Transcripts
                                  - May 19, 2020: HBIIP Fueling Stations Fleet Facilities  Recording  |  PowerPoint  |  Q&As  |  Transcripts
                                  - May 12, 2020: HBIIP Orientation Enrollment   Recording  |  PowerPoint  |  Q&As  |  Transcripts