Rep. Budzinski Requests Federal Funding for National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski is requesting federal funding for the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) through her Community Project Funding requests. This project could significantly expand the center’s capabilities and boost new markets and demand for Illinois corn farmers.

With federal funding, NCERC will be able to add the equipment needed to expand its capabilities in the development and commercialization of biotechnologies. The expansion would establish the first low-cost, low-carbon intensity conversion demonstration plant in the United States for producing cellulosic ethanol—a pathway for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. Dr. Yan Zhang, the Center’s Director of Research and Interim Executive Director, says pilot trials are underway and could soon benefit the entire industry.

Rep. Budzinski toured NCERC and convened her bipartisan Agriculture Advisory Council at the facility on May 6, 2026, where she heard directly from researchers about the center's expansion plans.

IL Corn thanks Congresswoman Budzinski for her commitment to one of our top legislative priorities. Investments in NCERC provide a real opportunity to drive ethanol demand, grow the ag economy, and create new markets for Illinois Corn farmers at a time when they need it most.