BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — After reviewing extensively, talking to experts, and considering landowner concerns on carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology being developed in Illinois, IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) President Matt Rush, a farmer from Fairfield, issued the following statement on behalf of the organization:
“When the rights of landowners and drainage districts are respected, and all federal and state regulatory guidelines met, carbon capture and storage technology has the potential to greatly benefit the corn-based ethanol industry and could become a necessary tool to protect and grow the ethanol market for Illinois corn farmers.
“CCS technology helps position our ethanol to better compete with electric vehicles when it comes to carbon emissions. Combined with other sustainable farming practices, CCS can lower the carbon intensity (CI) score of ethanol to near or below zero, which is equal to or better than the EV score. The technology also positions our fuel to better compete in international and domestic low carbon fuel markets, promotes investment in the ethanol industry and could help develop new markets for corn like the sustainable aviation fuel industry.
“The conversation around this technology is evolving. Proposed transportation and storage maps are changing. Many details about this technology and its footprint in Illinois are yet to be determined. But with over 700 million bushels of corn in Illinois used for ethanol production, I would encourage corn farmers to consider the competitive advantage this technology offers to agriculture here in the Midwest.”
— IL Corn Growers Association