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SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, Having an affordable, reliable, and plentiful
3 energy supply is critical to our economy, as well as our
4 national and international food supplies; and
 
5     WHEREAS, Current and future risks to national energy
6 security are mounting, while domestic and global energy demands
7 are growing; and
 
8     WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has abundant renewable
9 energy resources; and
 
10     WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has significant
11 agriculture, business, education, and research resources; and
 
12     WHEREAS, The development of a broad spectrum of renewable
13 energy sources, including ethanol, wind, solar, biomass,
14 methane digesters, hydroelectric, biodiesel, and next
15 generation biofuels benefits the environment and will have a
16 direct economic benefit to farmers, rural communities, and
17 businesses throughout Illinois; and
 
18     WHEREAS, Rural communities and agriculture sectors will
19 experience multiple benefits, including establishing
20 additional markets for agricultural commodities, increasing

 

 

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1 farm income, creating value-added uses for crops, livestock,
2 and their byproducts, improving air and water quality,
3 improving wildlife habitat, and adding many traditional and
4 green job opportunities; and
 
5     WHEREAS, Wind and solar energy can be captured on the vast
6 land areas in agriculture; technology and production
7 capabilities will allow Illinois to play a major role in
8 ensuring a fully sustainable national energy system; and
 
9     WHEREAS, The State of Illinois is well-positioned to play
10 an expanded role in the development and implementation of new
11 energy solutions and, with appropriate technological
12 innovation, incentives, and investments, Illinois farms can
13 produce a new generation of fuels to help meet the nation's
14 energy needs; and
 
15     WHEREAS, "25x'25" is an agriculturally-led initiative that
16 envisions America's farms and ranches producing twenty-five
17 percent of America's energy demand by the year 2025, while
18 producing a sustainable and abundant supply of safe and
19 affordable food and fiber; and
 
20     WHEREAS, Agriculture's role as an energy producer will have
21 a positive effect on national security and trade and will serve
22 as a catalyst for rural development in Illinois; therefore, be

 

 

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1 it
 
2     RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL
3 ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
4 CONCURRING HEREIN, that we support the "25x'25 Vision" and its
5 goal of having agriculture provide renewable energy and safe
6 and affordable food and fiber; and be it further
 
7     RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be sent
8 to President Barack Obama, Governor Pat Quinn, the members of
9 the Illinois congressional delegation, and the various
10 agencies and commissions of the State of Illinois.