Creating a Caucus

Creating a Caucus

Through the creation of the Sustainable Fuels Caucus, ISA is casting Illinois farmers in a leading role for improved air and environmental quality in communities across Illinois.

By David Kubik, Public Policy Manager and Kaytlin Gilbert, Outreach Specialist

In 2022, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) celebrated a momentous victory at the state level, having passed its groundbreaking B20 legislation which transitioned the sales tax incentive from B11 blends to B20, strengthening the demand for home-grown, renewable fuel. This commitment to using biofuels has created 7,500 clean energy jobs in Illinois and has generated $1.6 billion in household income for families across the state. Biodiesel also offers immense health and environ- mental benefits, such as reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 86 percent. Once the B20 legislation is fully implemented by 2030, the expanded biodiesel use is expected to reduce GHG emissions by nearly 200 thousand tons.

The 2022 B20 victory created waves state-wide among the legislature, prompting elected officials to consider the future of renewable fuels and the next steps for Illinois’ energy policy.

Those next steps started this summer, with the creation of the Sustainable Fuels Caucus, spearheaded by ISA. Chaired by Representative Eva Dina Delgado (D – Chicago) and Senator Patrick Joyce (D – Kankakee), alongside Representatives Dave Vella (D – Rockford), Ann Williams (D – Chicago), Dagmara Avelar (D – Bolingbrook), and Terra Costa Howard (D – Lombard), the Caucus is designed to tackle the health and environment problems facing communities across the state with actionable policy changes today.

The purpose of the caucus is twofold: First, to address the growing economic needs of the state regarding domestic energy supply, whether it be ethanol, bio-based products from soy, or other green, alternative energies. Second, said Representative Ann Williams, “[The] caucus intends to be a real-time solution-oriented group, offering up policy solutions that supplement a growing movement to improve the air and environmental quality of Illinois communities.”

The caucus was prompted, created and is fueled by the ISA, who reached out to elected officials state-wide, creating a legislative network of support for state officials who have a strong desire to continue Illinois’ positive momentum in the domestic energy sector. The caucus will have a busy fall ahead, with an upcoming veto session that gives a few weeks of respite before a new session. The inaugural group of legislators intend to reach out to their colleagues across the state and bring a diversity of voices to the table, with ISA leading the helm. “I see this caucus as a working group where legislators from all parts of the state are welcomed to bring their ideas, constituents’ stories, and partners to the table,” said Representative Vella.

Why did ISA start a caucus in the first place? Director of Government Relations & Strategy at ISA, Andrew Larson, stated “Coalition brings opportunity, opportunity we will need as the state continues to move forward with green energy initiatives. Biofuels are a part of the solution, not just for our domestic energy needs, but to the market needs our farmers are relying on us to create. Every time there is a conversation at the state or federal level where domestic energy is discussed, we want to be there. We look forward to this coalition serving as a vehicle of development for our farmers and the state’s energy future.”

That future is quickly approaching, with veto session upon us and a new legislative session happening in just a few months. Issues involving carbon capture, low carbon fuel standards, and the next wave of green energy regulation, are sure to enter the scene; the ISA is prepared for this challenge. This preparation is already underway, with the creation of the Caucus and its growing membership. ISA staff plan to provide updates to our farmers throughout the year, including growth updates in caucus membership, legislative updates, and calls to action for our Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) members.

This caucus isn’t just about biodiesel though – it is about promoting all forms of sustainable fuels. Last January, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law the $1.50 per gallon SAF purchasers’ credit, and it will help drive demand for both corn and soybeans in Illinois. Because of this first and only in the nation incentive, industries are looking to expand SAF production in our state, which will benefit our environment, economy, and growers. The Sustainable Fuels Caucus will work to build on all of these successes, because it is going to take an all-of-the-above approach to energy transformation, giving us a more sustainable future.

Just over a year ago, we celebrated a momentous victory, but we know we can’t just rest on last year’s yields. Farmers deserve an Association that is proactively planning and engaging with stakeholders to ensure agriculture is at the table. We see the creation of this Caucus as just the first step of many to ensure your beans are valued and your voice is heard.