Vilsack, Duckworth visit central Illinois to support corn-based ethanol

GIBSON CITY, Ill. — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., met in central Illinois Aug. 23 to discuss corn-based ethanol and its ability to contribute meaningful solutions to our national challenges.

The visit occurred soon after Duckworth joined as an original co-sponsor to the introduction of the Next Generation Fuels Act in the U.S. Senate. The bill establishes a new high-octane, low-carbon fuel standard beginning in 2026, which automobile manufacturers can use to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A clean octane standard, the bill requires that sources of additional octane result in at least 40% fewer GHG emissions than unblended gasoline and sets new limits on toxic hydrocarbon aromatics.

Corn ethanol is an effective, low-carbon octane course, providing the greatest fuel efficiency gains at the least cost to drivers while reducing GHG and tailpipe emissions. This bill finally eliminates the unfair regulatory barriers to higher blends ethanol, according to the Illinois Corn Growers Association.

The Next Generation Fuels Act allows near-term, cost-effective options, as opposed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s current path of eliminating the internal combustion engine and mandating electric vehicles.

“We see the picture of what biofuels can do and this year I took two trips into Asia and they’re really interested in gaining access to carbon-neutral grown commodities (corn and soybeans) and that is going to be a real advantage we have as we move forward,” said Duckworth while visiting One Earth Energy in Gibson City.

“So, there is nothing better than American-grown fuel and there’s nothing better than American-grown feed. We are the fuel of the future — not just here, but all over the world.”

The two later visited Casey’s General Store in LeRoy to see one of the many E15 fueling stations in Illinois. Casey’s has committed to including E15 options at the pump for any new facility, giving consumers a more cost-effective, cleaner choice when they fill up.

“We are so grateful for Senator Duckworth’s leadership, as the Senate members can now begin to consider the role that corn-based ethanol can play in helping our nation achieve its clean energy goals,” said ICGA President Marty Marr, New Berlin.

“We know that ethanol has a role to play, as the cleanest liquid fuel available to consumers now with the infrastructure to truly make a difference for our environment.”

U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., first introduced the Next Generation Fuels Act into the U.S. House of Representatives in August 2021.

Leadership of the bill in both the House and the Senate by Bustos and Duckworth recognizes the 40% to 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of corn-based ethanol compared to petroleum fuel, according to the ICGA.

Vilsack said he understands the important role American farmers have to play.

“I’m here because of terrific people here today — you are the heart and soul of this country,” Vilsack said.