BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — On April 19, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law a bill that incentivizes increasing blends of biodiesel. The bill, sponsored by Senator Patrick Joyce (D–Essex) and Representative Eva Dina Delgado (D–Chicago), extends the current B10 sales tax exemption until 2023 and then increases the biodiesel blend level subject to the tax exemption to B13 in 2024, B15 in 2025 and B19 in 2026. This major initiative further establishes Illinois’ commitment to reducing carbon emissions and incentivizing the use of domestically produced, renewable fuel.
“This hard-won victory is the result of Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) unrelenting collaboration with the bill sponsors Senator Patrick Joyce and Representative Eva Dina Delgado, numerous partners across agriculture, biofuels producers, transportation stakeholders and clean air advocates who are all working to present a viable and immediate solution to combat carbon emissions in the transportation sector,” says ISA Chairman, Steve Pitstick. “This legislation will not only significantly enhance the environmental benefits of biodiesel, but also lead to strengthened demand for this Illinois grown, renewable fuel by about 125 million gallons.”
Continues Pitstick, “This law further establishes Illinois as a leader in biofuel policy, which will improve air quality for millions of Illinoisans and fuel the Illinois economy. At ISA, we are incredibly proud of our entire team’s outreach, the engagement of our board, and the efforts of legislators in relentless pursuit of this positive legislation for agriculture.”
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development and utilization efforts while the membership program supports the government relations interests of Illinois soybean farmers at the local, state, and national level, through the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG). ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean producers through promotion, advocacy, and education with the vision of becoming a market leader in sustainable soybean production and profitability. For more information, visit the websites www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.
— Illinois Soybean Association
