State
and local government vehicles'
use of biodiesel to benefit Illinois agriculture, environment and
help promote energy independence Send a link to a friend
[JULY 30, 2005] SPRINGFIELD -- In another aggressive effort to
promote energy independence, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich signed into law
Thursday a measure to boost the use of biodiesel throughout
Illinois.
House Bill 112 requires state government, county and
local governments, school districts, universities and community
colleges, and mass transit agencies to fuel their diesel vehicles
with 2 percent biodiesel, a renewable fuel typically made from
soybeans.
This new law, the second bill the governor has signed this summer to
promote biodiesel, solidifies Illinois' status as the nation's
leading biodiesel user. Early this summer, Blagojevich approved
legislation that provides rebates for drivers using fuels with a
minimum 20 percent biodiesel blend.
"The state must take the lead
in protecting the environment," Blagojevich said. "Under this new
law, all levels of government in Illinois will now start using more
of this cleaner fuel that's good for Illinois' farmers, the economy
and the environment. This gets Illinois on the road toward greater
energy independence and less reliance on imported oil."
State facilities already use 2 percent biodiesel fuel, in
accordance with an executive order issued by the governor in 2004.
Local governments, community colleges and mass transit systems will
now join the state in boosting biodiesel use.
"Some people feel that farming and fuel production are at odds
with the environment; however, this legislation shows that there is
common ground, and I believe it will only increase," said Sen. John
Cullerton, D-Chicago, who sponsored the bill in the Senate.
"This legislation is an important first step in providing a
market for a fuel that cleans our environment, provides a new market
for our farmers and reduces our dependence on foreign oil," said
Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, the House sponsor.
Biodiesel helps reduce air pollution and protect public health by
cutting emissions of soot, carbon monoxide and global warming gases.
