Illinois bill to increase ethanol infrastructure grants moves to House floor

March 21, 2008

In Illinois, House Bill 4696, that would increase state support for ethanol to $10 million in the form of 10-cent-per-gallon grants, was passed unanimously by House Renewable Energy committee and now moves to the House floor. The measure would also provide support for local governments and and gas stations for ethanol pumps.

Last October, the Illinois state capital construction bill was introduced, including $475 million for building ethanol and biodiesel plants, adding E85 pumps to gas stations to E-85 pumps, and energy-efficiency projects for small businesses.

Illinois is the number three state in the nation in biodiesel production, with 199 Mgy in current and planned capacity. The state is ranked fourth in ethanol production, with 1187 Mgy in capacity. The state is also expecting a record corn harvest with state yields projected as high as 187 bushels per acre.