House Passes Wait’s Ethanol Promotion Legislation

April 20, 2007

Belvidere, IL…State Representative Ron Wait (R-Belvidere) passed two bills that promote the ethanol industry in Illinois.  HB271, the “Promote Illinois Ethanol and Biodiesel Act,” requires the websites of state agencies to provide hypertext links to websites containing information on ethanol and biodiesel.  Wait’s other bill, HB273, requires biodiesel sold in Illinois to be labeled to indicate the percentage of biodiesel per gallon.  Both bills passed the Illinois House of Representatives unanimously.

“Both of my bills promote ethanol production in Illinois,” Wait said.  “Boone, DeKalb, and Winnebago counties are uniquely positioned to reap the rewards of ethanol and biodiesel.  Not only does ethanol promotion help our farmers and local businesses, but it helps our environment by relieving some of the burden on non-renewable fossil fuels.”

Both bills enjoyed widespread support; HB271 was supported by the Illinois Farm Bureau, the Illinois Corn Growers Association, and the American Lung Association while HB273 was supported by Illinois Petroleum Council.  Both bills will now move to the Illinois Senate for consideration.

“Promoting Illinois ethanol and biodiesel is an investment every Illinoisan can get behind.  The future payoffs for our economy, agricultural industry, and environment will reward Illinois tenfold,” Wait said.