IL Corn Submits Comments on 45Z

Today the IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) submitted comments to the United States Department of Agriculture in an effort to impact corn demand and future ethanol markets.

Illinois farmers have a role to play in helping U.S. ethanol plants capture the 45Z tax credit by lowering their carbon intensity (CI) score with low CI feedstocks like corn. ICGA comments will help ensure farmers are best positioned to receive some of that value regardless of location to an ethanol plant and with as much flexibility at the farm gate as possible.

Following the release of the 40B Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credit in April, the USDA asked for industry input when crafting conservation guidelines for the next IRA credit. The 45Z tax credit will give sustainable aviation fuel producers an incentive for products with carbon intensity (CI) scores reduced by 50%.

“If written correctly, the 45Z tax credit could play a monumental role in recognizing the climate benefits of corn and creating unprecedented corn demand in new biofuel markets,” Director of Conservation and Nutrient Stewardship Megan Dwyer said, “Your team at IL Corn has had a seat at the table and worked hard to ensure the concerns of Illinois farmers are heard."

< Older Post

Newer Post >

The sun is setting behind the capitol building in washington d.c.

Budget Reconciliation Bill Passes Congress

By Lyndi Allen • July 3, 2025

Illinois corn farmers will be impacted by many provisions in the Budget Reconciliation Bill that passed in both chambers this week.

Importance of Trade Series: Ethanol

By Lyndi Allen • July 3, 2025

Trade plays a critical role in driving demand for U.S. corn—not only as grain or feed, but also as fuel.

Corn: More American Than Apple Pie

By Lindsay Croke • June 30, 2025

When we think of Independence Day traditions, sweet corn on the cob is as iconic as fireworks and often even more central to the celebration. According to Instacart, purchases of sweet corn surge by 380% over the annual average heading into July 4th, outranking other grilling staples like baby back ribs and burgers. But corn's role in your Fourth of July celebration goes far beyond your plate. In Illinois alone, 8,300 acres of sweet corn are harvested annually, averaging 155 cwt per acre. That’s more than 128 million pounds of locally grown sweetness fueling summer cookouts across the state. And while sweet corn makes a big impression on the grill, most of Illinois’ corn crop isn’t sweet corn - it’s field corn. Less than 1% of the state’s crop is sweet corn, while the rest is used in products that are often invisible to consumers but vital to everyday life: fuel, packaging, fireworks, and even spirits.