According to the notice, the interim rule includes several major changes to the program. Most significantly, the program is now open to renewable chemical and biobased product manufacturers. In addition, the requirement that the majority of the biorefinery production must be an advanced biofuel in order to be eligible for program assistance has been removed. Additional changes include supplementing the program to include a project-finance framework, implementing a two-phase application progress, overhauling the scoring of applications, and listing interest accrual to 90 days, in most instances, to determining what the guarantee will cover and what can be included in a loss claim.

The Biotechnology Industry Organization has spoken out in support of the program. “BIO worked with Senator Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan, other members of Congress and the USDA to improve how the 9003 loan guarantee program works for renewable chemical producers and biobased product manufacturers,” said Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO’s Industrial and Environmental Section. “If implemented properly, the program will provide greater access to capital and equity for biorefineries that primarily produce renewable chemicals and biobased products—which are made from biomass instead of petroleum. Enabling emerging industrial biotechnology companies that produce renewable chemicals to qualify for USDA loan guarantees will promote investment in innovative biotechnology sector going forward. With growth of renewable chemical and biobased product manufacturing, the United States can maintain its leadership in clean energy and manufacturing, create thousands of high quality U.S. jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign petroleum.

“As USDA’s new study of the economic impact of biobased product manufacturing demonstrates, biobased products are capable of generating new economic opportunities, reducing U.S. reliance on foreign oil, and improving the nation’s environmental health,” Erickson continued. “Biobased products already contribute $369 billion to the U.S. economy each year. The sector directly employs 1.5 million Americans, and creates additional employment opportunities for 2.5 million. The 40,000 biobased products that are currently on the market displace about 300 million gallons of petroleum per year, which is equivalent to taking 200,000 cars off the road.”

Comments on the rule can be submitted online at www.regulations.gov, by mail, or hand delivery. The deadline to comment is Aug. 24. Additional information on how to submit public comments is available on the Federal Register website.