Grants that support investments in biodiesel infrastructure , covering up to 75 % of project costs , are available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program ( HBIIP ) administered by the U . S . Department of Agriculture . That ’ s our cover story this month .
STEPHEN BENNETT
The purpose of the program 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 , said Jeff Carpenter , USDA ’ s manager for HBIIP , a speaker in a Sept . 11 webinar on the program . The webinar was sponsored by the National Energy & Fuels Institute .
The program presents a significant opportunity for the industry to receive federal benefits , NEFI President and CEO Sean Cota said . “ We ’ re very excited about that .” For more on the USDA grants and how to apply for them , turn to our report on the webinar ( page 14 ), which serves as an introduction to our annual Bulk Plant Roundup .
Also , The Internal Revenue Service published guidance for contractors and homeowners about a new federal tax credit for a qualified home energy audit . The amount of the credit is 30 % of the cost of the audit , up to a maximum of $ 150 .
According to the U . S . Department of Energy , home energy auditor certification programs and professional accreditations provide the baseline education , training , and professional upskilling to implement investments authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ( commonly referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ) and Inflation Reduction Act .
Starting in 2024 , home energy auditors will be required to provide a business employer identification number ( EIN ), or other type of relevant taxpayer identifying number , as part of the written report they provide to the homeowner looking to claim the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit for home energy audits . The IRS says it “ strongly encourages ” home energy auditors to apply for and receive an EIN for their business if they do not already have one . For more information on all this , turn to Business Operations News ( page 12 ).
Empire State Energy Conference
Of Grants and Tax Credits
For fuel dealers operating in New York State , and feeling besieged as the state pursues an alternative energy agenda and electrification , the Empire State Energy Conference provided an opportunity to rally the troops — and attend an Army football game on Saturday , Sept . 9 .
There were also a few chuckles to be had from an unlikely source — a session on audits by the New York State Department of Transportation , in which Justin Zimmerman of the department observed that complaints against a fuel company can come into the DOT from any quarter , including “ disgruntled employees or disgruntled ex-employees . Or disgruntled spouses of employees . Or ex-spouses or girlfriends of employees . Or boyfriends of employees .” Looking up from a lectern to scan the audience , Zimmerman noted , “ It doesn ’ t mean that they ’ re wrong . We have to take the complaint at face value .”
Zimmerman added , “ The person that ’ s complaining is typically aware of what went on , if it went on , for many years . But now , all of a sudden , they ’ re mad and they want to get back at [ someone ], so they file a complaint against the company .” Good to know . For more , turn to our report on the Empire Energy Conference ( page 10 ). l FON
4 OCTOBER 2023 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www . fueloilnews . com
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