Kankakee Times

A bill pitched in February that created the Illinois Renewable Fuel Standards Act has advanced through the Senate. 

Senate Bill 2394 states that diesel fuel must contain a certain percentage of biodiesel fuel oil and changes biodiesel incentives for biofuel blends to create a 2.5-year tax-free window for fuel blends that are mostly biodiesel. 

"Today, I advanced a measure through the Senate Agriculture Committee that aims to create a statewide renewable fuel standard which would require biodiesel for transportation fuel beginning in 2024," Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) said in an April 15 Facebook post. 

A release from Joyce's office said that the bill is meant to reduce the state's reliance on fuel imports and benefit Illinois farmers. The bill would require biodiesel for transportation fuel starting in 2024; diesel sold in Illinois after Jan. 1, 2024, and before July 1 must be 5% biodiesel by volume and at least 20% after July. 

“The demand for biodiesel is growing quickly, and it’s important that Illinois keeps up,” Joyce said. “Biodiesel offers environmental and performance benefits, as well as an economic boost for our farmers.”

The Illinois Soybean Association backs the Renewable Fuel Standards Act. It passed the Senate Agriculture Committee last week and is awaiting further consideration. 

“Transitioning to biodiesel is not only better for the environment — it also puts money back into local farmers’ pockets,” Joyce said. “As we invest in greener technologies, it’s important that we find ways to keep Illinois dollars in Illinois.”

Certain exceptions to the biofuel standard would be allowed, including locomotives, marine engines, and power generation.