Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Repowering Assistance Support to Reduce Biorefinery Fossil Fuel Use

WASHINGTON, Sept., 9, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of a biorefinery producer to receive payments under a program to encourage the use of renewable biomass as a replacement for fossil fuels that provide process heat or power for biorefineries.

"The award that USDA is announcing today marks a step toward reducing fossil fuel consumption." Vilsack said. "The Repowering Assistance Program, along with the other renewable energy provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill, promote the creation of green jobs, combat climate change and provide economic opportunities to rural workers and rural businesses."

Lincolnway Energy, LLC, based in Nevada, Iowa, has been selected to receive a $1.9 million payment award. The company produces 55 to 60 million gallons per year of fuel-grade ethanol. The USDA payment will reimburse the firm for costs to modify a boiler to burn wood and other biomass.