14-05-2025
Budzinski introduces bipartisan biofuel bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WCIA) — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) has introduced a bill to help support innovation in biofuels.
The Central Illinois U.S. Representative introduced the Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity Act to help the biofuel economy. She's co-sponsoring the bill with Congressman Zach Nunn (R-IA).
'My district is home to world-class research facilities like the University of Illinois Integrated Bioprocessing Research Lab and SIUE's National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Centerboth at the forefront of biomanufacturing innovation,' Congresswoman Budzinski said in a statement. 'I'm honored to partner with my colleague Zach Nunn on bipartisan legislation that supports the groundbreaking agricultural research led by students and scientists at these institutions. Strengthening Americas bioeconomy drives innovation, creates good-paying jobs, and opens new opportunities for family farms across the Midwest.'
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The bill strengthens the USDA's Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program by updating the current loan guarantee program to include applications year-round. It also creates a new competitive grant program to help build and expand biorefineries. If signed into law, it would also provide $100 million in mandatory funding through FY 2030.
Several industry leaders support the bill, including Plant Based Products Council, Corn Refiners Association and the Ag Bioeconomy Coalition.
The full text of the AG BIO Act can be found here online.
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