The IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) prides itself in representing our membership's priorities at the highest levels in Springfield and Washington, D.C. As a new year approaches, ICGA will focus on farmer concerns through these policies.
State Priorities
Pass Carbon Capture and Sequestration Legislation
In the last two years, carbon capture and storage (CCS) made headlines throughout the world as nations race to lower their carbon emissions. ICGA is active in CCS negotiations in Springfield and will continue to represent the priorities and concerns of our farmers regarding the use of eminent domain, CO2 safety, and the market opportunity for Illinois agriculture. Hear the top CCS questions from farmers across the state! Secure funding for retailers converting to higher ethanol blends
This legislative session ICGA looks to secure funding for fuel retailers to provide higher blends of ethanol. A saturated ethanol market would provide consumers lower prices at the fuel pump and decrease carbon emissions. Continued funding for NCERC
ICGA crafted the idea of the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) in 1996 and have supported the facility since its creation in 2003. ICGA priorities continued funding for NCERC in FY24. Clean Fuel Standard Discussions
Last summer, ICGA began working with elected officials and industry leaders representing corn farmers in Illinois’s clean fuel standard discussions. IL Corn has a seat at Clean Transportation Fuel Standard conversations and will advocate for a lower carbon future that includes the extensive benefits agriculture brings to the table. Strengthen AIMA
Agriculture Impact Mitigation Agreements (AIMA) are guided by the Bureau of Land and Water Resources and create consensus between utility companies and agricultural landowners. The accord was created to help property owners alleviate the impacts of wind, oil/natural gas, and other utility projects. ICGA is working to strengthen the agreements to better support the agricultural industry.
Increase funds for Fall Covers for Spring Savings
ICGA continues to support farmers and conservation practices through the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program. The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) Cover Crop Premium Discount Program promotes additional acres of cover crops not covered by state and federal incentives. Currently applicants can receive up to $5 per acre on the following year’s crop insurance. The program is funded at $600 thousand per year. ICGA is investigating ways to expand this program and encourage farmer conservation practices.
Federal Priorities
Next Generation Fuels Act
ICGA looks to pass the Next Generation Fuels Act as an avenue for consumers vehicle choice that invigorates the lifespan of the internal combustion engine. The legislation provides automakers the flexibility to create cars desired by consumers while meeting lower-carbon, climate goals. The bill was introduced in the House and Senate last spring and has over 30 co-sponsors. ICGA will continue advocacy for the legislation, a bill that would boost ethanol demand.
Source: ilcorn.org
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Categories: Illinois, Crops, Corn