Biofuels

Domestic ethanol and biodiesel production has enhanced rural development, reduced our dependence on foreign oil, improved air quality and increased the value of corn and soybeans. As the second largest ethanol producer in the country, Illinois has much to gain from ethanol’s presence and expansion in the market.

In a fitting demonstration of the importance of biofuel production to our area, the federal government provided millions of dollars for the creation of the National Corn-to-Ethanol-Research Center – the only center of its kind in the world – at SIU-Edwardsville.

In 2008, I voted in support of the Farm Bill (the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008), which provided $1 billion in new investments in biofuel production. The House Agriculture Committee is currently preparing for the 2012 Farm Bill, and I will work with the committee during this process to support investment in renewable fuel development.

Additionally, I have supported successful efforts to increase the percentage of ethanol in gasoline. Until recently, gasoline could only contain up to 10% ethanol by volume (E-10); it has been estimated that increasing the standard to 15% ethanol (E-15) would create 136,000 new jobs.

In January 2011, after a significant period of deliberation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as the hard work and dedication of many different groups and individuals, the EPA approved the use of E-15 in every vehicle made since 2001. This was an important advance for our nation, and I was proud to be a part of it.

Finally, in December 2010, Congress passed, with my support, a one-year extension of the ethanol blenders’ tax credit and the biodiesel producers’ tax credit. These provisions will be in effect through December 31, 2011.

I will continue to work with farmers and ethanol producers in Southern Illinois, my colleagues in Congress and the administration to ensure that our energy and agricultural policies create jobs here at home, strengthen our economy and make a critical investment in our rural communities.

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