U.S. Department of Agriculture Expands Biofuels Use

The U. S. Department of Agriculture has announced its agencies will use biodiesel and ethanol in their fleet vehicles where practicable and reasonable in cost.  The new policy has been touted as part of the Administration's National Energy Plan.  "The energy challenges our nation faces today offers tremendous opportunities for agriculture," said Secretary Ann M. Veneman.  "Agriculture can help us solve our energy problems through the production of domestic liquid fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel.  Renewable energy is good for independence, good for farmers, and good for the environment."

  • All USDA diesel fuel storage tanks nationwide will be filled with B20 or higher biodiesel fuel where practicable and reasonable in costs. 
  • All USDA-maintained gasoline fueling facilities will buy and use fuels blended with at least 10 percent ethanol to the extent practicable, where the fuel is readily available, and reasonably priced compared with unleaded gasoline.
  • USDA's 700 E-85 flex-fuel vehicles will use ethanol fuel where those vehicles operate in geographical areas that offer E-85 fueling stations. 
  • USDA agencies will purchase or lease alternative fuel vehicles, including E-85 flex-fuel vehicles, for geographic areas that offer alternative fueling.