SJ0042 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0042 LRB096 11369 GRL 21828 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Having an affordable, reliable, and plentiful energy supply is critical to our economy, as well as our national and international food supplies; and

WHEREAS, Current and future risks to national energy security are mounting, while domestic and global energy demands are growing; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has abundant renewable energy resources; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has significant agriculture, business, education, and research resources; and

WHEREAS, The development of a broad spectrum of renewable energy sources, including ethanol, wind, solar, biomass, methane digesters, hydroelectric, biodiesel, and next generation biofuels benefits the environment and will have a direct economic benefit to farmers, rural communities, and businesses throughout Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Rural communities and agriculture sectors will experience multiple benefits, including establishing additional markets for agricultural commodities, increasing farm income, creating value-added uses for crops, livestock, and their byproducts, improving air and water quality, improving wildlife habitat, and adding many traditional and green job opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Wind and solar energy can be captured on the vast land areas in agriculture; technology and production capabilities will allow Illinois to play a major role in ensuring a fully sustainable national energy system; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois is well-positioned to play an expanded role in the development and implementation of new energy solutions and, with appropriate technological innovation, incentives, and investments, Illinois farms can produce a new generation of fuels to help meet the nation's energy needs; and

WHEREAS, "25x'25" is an agriculturally-led initiative that envisions America's farms and ranches producing twenty-five percent of America's energy demand by the year 2025, while producing a sustainable and abundant supply of safe and affordable food and fiber; and

WHEREAS, Agriculture's role as an energy producer will have a positive effect on national security and trade and will serve as a catalyst for rural development in Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we support the "25x'25 Vision" and its goal of having agriculture provide renewable energy and safe and affordable food and fiber; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be sent to President Barack Obama, Governor Pat Quinn, the members of the Illinois congressional delegation, and the various agencies and commissions of the State of Illinois.