IL HJR0089

Illinois corn production totaled 2.1 billion bushels in 2013 valued at approximately $8.1 billion as the state's number one cash crop.

Illinois' 14 ethanol production facilities produce 1.7 billion gallons of ethanol annually, employ nearly 4,000 workers, and generate $5.3 billion in economic impact.

The renewable fuel sector in Illinois generates $17.5 billion in total economic output annually, supports 73,156 jobs, and contributes $1.1 billion in federal taxes and $680.7 million in state taxes.

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a 20% reduction to ethanol blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard, which would result in job losses, reduced investment, diminished economic growth, and greater carbon emissions.

Urges President Obama to order the EPA to maintain current Renewable Fuel Standard blending rules in accordance with congressional intent as outlined in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.