Illinois approves biodiesel blending

Members of Illinois parliament in the US have approved the state’s biodiesel blending programme today with a vote in the senate of 44 to nine.

The sunset date for the biodiesel state sales tax initiatives has been extended for the biodiesel state sales tax to the end of 2019 and with this any biodiesel blend of more than 10% is now eligible for fuel tax exemption.

President of the Renewable Energy Group, Daniel Oh, says: ‘On behalf of our employees, vendors and customers, Renewable Energy Group applauds the Illinois legislature for promoting green collar jobs, Illinois agriculture, rural economic development and sound environmental policy

‘Since Illinois’ inception of the B11 blending credits in 2004, more biodiesel has been blended in Illinois annually than in any other state. By extending the biodiesel tax abatement for B11 and higher blends through 2018, the Illinois legislature showcases its commitment to more than 1,500 green collar jobs in the state.’

The biodiesel industry generated $1.5 billion of household income, and was responsible for more than $2.6 billion of Illinois GDP between 2004 and 2010.