August 23, 2022

Duckworth, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Visit One Earth Energy, Emphasize Commitment to Prioritizing American-Grown Fuel and Saving Families Money At the Pump

 

[GIBSON CITY, IL] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary (USDA) Tom Vilsack, visited One Earth Energy, meeting with leaders of the ethanol and distiller’s grain facility to highlight the importance of biofuel production and the Federal Government’s support of homegrown fuel—including Democrats’ efforts to make the Inflation Reduction Act law. Duckworth also shared her commitment to help drive down gas prices, support our farmers, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen our energy security and drive rural economic opportunity in Illinois. Duckworth and Secretary Vilsack then spoke to members of the media about their efforts to increase availability of American-grown biofuels, create rural jobs and decrease gas prices at a second stop in Le Roy. Photos from the visit are available here.

“I was glad to be at One Earth Energy with Secretary Vilsack today to discuss the importance of the farmer to fuel pump pipeline— and how the Inflation Reduction Act will help increase production of homegrown biofuels and lower gas prices,” said Duckworth. “At a time when Big Oil has been profiting off the backs of hardworking Americans and our nation is facing a climate crisis, the U.S. biofuel sector is as vital as they’ve ever been. From working on the Inflation Reduction Act which includes historic support for renewable energy to working to secure the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard, I’m proud of my work to support the biofuels sector because it supports our farmers and our working families”

“I’m glad to have had the opportunity to join Senator Duckworth and stakeholders at One Earth Energy this morning to highlight the role America’s producers play in securing America’s energy independence, as well as the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and giving Americans cleaner, more affordable options at the pump,” said Secretary Vilsack. “This commitment is demonstrated in the transformational Inflation Reduction Act, which, among other critical investments, includes additional funding to expand the availability of higher-blend fuels across the country. This is a win for American farmers, the rural economy and hardworking Americans who pay the price here at home when we depend on volatile fuel sources overseas.”

Signed into law one week ago by President Biden, the Inflation Reduction Act will provide $500 million to expand the number of service stations that offer low-carbon ethanol and biodiesel, made from Illinois corn and soybeans. These climate-smart investments in Midwestern-grown fuels will also reduce our reliance on Middle Eastern oil, which strengthens our national security and helps reduce costs at the pump for consumers. In June, Duckworth applauded the Biden Administration’s announcement that it will publish the ethanol blending mandates for 2020, 2021 and 2022 at levels that more closely resemble American consumption levels and help farmers and biofuel producers prepare for the future.

While Big Oil has been taking advantage of hardworking families, Duckworth has been diligent in working to save Americans money at the pump while continuing to be a long-time supporter of ethanol. Last month, she helped introduce the bipartisan and bicameral Next Generation Fuels Act to leverage higher-octane fuels to help improve engine efficiency and performance. Allowing the sale of fuels with greater octane levels would increase the amount of ethanol that can be utilized in the fuel supply, in turn lowering prices at the pump for consumers. In March, Duckworth also helped introduce the Home Front Energy Independence Act, which would make E15 available year round, establish an E15 and Biodiesel Tax Credit, direct EPA to finalize their E15 labeling rule and provide for biofuel infrastructure and compatibility with retailers. In a recent Senate hearing, EPA Administrator Michael Regan confirmed that this legislation would help bring down gas prices at the pump for working families. Also in March, Duckworth introduced her Gas Price Gouging Prevention Act to help prevent the oil industry from engaging in gasoline price gouging during periods of crisis, in an effort to protect working Americans from unnecessary price increases. 

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