SR0808 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0808 LRB096 22190 GRL 40933 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The American Lung Association recognizes that motor vehicles, especially older vehicles and equipment, are contributing to adverse air quality; an enlarging body of research indicates that exposure to traffic-related air pollution adversely affects the health of all citizens, particularly children; and

WHEREAS, B20 Biodiesel fuel can reduce particulate emissions by up to 20% and reduce life-cycle carbon dioxide emissions by up to 19%; and

WHEREAS, Because biodiesel fuel is made in the United States from renewable resources, such as soybeans, its use decreases our dependence on foreign oil and contributes to the growth of our economy; and

WHEREAS, Biodiesel fuel is better for the environment than petroleum diesel because biodiesel generates fewer emissions than petroleum diesel; and

WHEREAS, Over 170 companies have invested millions of dollars in the development of biodiesel manufacturing plants in the United States and are actively marketing biodiesel; and

WHEREAS, The production capacity of these plants is approximately 2.7 billion gallons of biodiesel per year; and

WHEREAS, The federal government has offered biodiesel tax incentives, including an income tax credit, a blenders' excise tax credit, and a small producers' tax credit; and

WHEREAS, The federal Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-343) extended certain biodiesel tax incentives for one year; and

WHEREAS, These federal biodiesel tax incentives expired on December 31, 2009 but should be extended in order to continue to promote the development, production, and use of biodiesel fuel; and

WHEREAS, Only about 15% of the nation's biodiesel plants were in operation during the first week of 2010, primarily due to concerns about the availability of a $1 per gallon biodiesel fuel blenders credit; and

WHEREAS, A December 2009 study warned that eliminating the credit would have a substantial negative impact on biodiesel production and the consequent economic and environmental benefits made by the biodiesel industry; and

WHEREAS, Efforts are underway in Washington to extend the credit retroactively to January 1, 2010 in order to spur biodiesel purchases; and

WHEREAS, The elimination of the credit would result in a loss of regional jobs and income, an increased demand for diesel from foreign oil, and degradation of energy security; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the United States Congress to quickly enact legislation to extend the tax incentives for domestic biodiesel production; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the President of the United States and each member of the Illinois congressional delegation.