HR0688 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0688 LRB104 20934 ECR 34723 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The E-15 fuel blend utilizes a combination of renewable ethanol and gasoline to enhance the longevity of our nation's fuel supply, while maintaining the common and everyday usage of motor vehicles; and

WHEREAS, The use of corn to produce ethanol for motor fuel is a proven source of renewable, clean, and sustainable energy that makes motor fuel more affordable for the average Illinoisan; and

WHEREAS, The ethanol by-products that are produced during the distillation of ethanol for motor fuel are recyclable, proving beneficial by turning waste products into a valuable, renewable, and sustainable resource; and

WHEREAS, Both wet and dry distillers' grains are often used in high-protein livestock feed; the carbon dioxide created during the fermentation process is then captured and used for carbonation in the food and beverage industry, for fire extinguishers, and in greenhouses; and

WHEREAS, Illinois is the second largest corn-producing state in the nation and accounts for roughly 15% of the total U.S. corn production; the various uses of corn not only as a source of food but also as a job-producing endeavor enhances the economic outlook of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Illinois corn production for 2023 and 2024 totaled over 2 billion bushels of corn per year, and in 2025, Illinois corn production is estimated to be at 2.35 billion bushels produced; and

WHEREAS, Illinois farmers, especially row-crop farmers, are affected by variable factors that cannot be accounted for, including tariffs and unforeseen weather events, but these issues can be mitigated by the year-round sale of E-15 motor fuel blends due to the near guarantee of improving our domestic renewable fuel marketplace; and

WHEREAS, Illinois is the home of some of the most nutrient rich and healthy soil in the United States, capable of producing world-class grains, vegetables, and fruit, and the utilization of one of Illinois' most vital and abundant natural resources is a key aspect of economic growth, conservation research, and overall better stewardship of our natural environment; and

WHEREAS, E-15 motor fuel blends support domestic biofuel production research and help secure domestic energy independence, while strengthening Illinois farmers' livelihoods and affordable motor fuel for all Illinoisans; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge for the support and passage of the federal Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which offers a permanent, national solution to allow the year-round, nationwide sale of E-15 fuel blends; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Illinois Farm Bureau, IL Corn, and all members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation.