Representative John Shimkus: World of Corn Recipient

John Shimkus, Illinois 15th District Congressperson, was honored for his service to Illinois corn farmers by the Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA) at their virtual annual meeting.

Shimkus is from Collinsville, IL and represents the 15th District of Illinois in the United States House of Representatives. Shimkus has served as a Representative since 1996, first representing District 20 and later District 19 as redistricting occurred. Prior to that, Shimkus served in the army and then taught high school before running for his first public office in 1989.\

“Mr. Shimkus has been a friend and a listening ear for farmers from all over Illinois throughout his tenure in office,” said ICGA President Bill Leigh. “It means so much to Illinois farmers to have access to their representatives in Washington, DC. We especially appreciate the leadership Mr. Shimkus has shown on ethanol issues over the years.”

Today, Shimkus serves as senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Republican Leader of its Environment & Climate Change Subcommittee. In this role he has been an important voice regarding the important role corn-based ethanol can play in improving the environment and building the rural communities he represents. 

Congressperson Shimkus was also an instrumental part of the 2005 Renewable Fuel Standard in the Energy and Policy Act of 2005, and it’s later revision in 2007. These bills required transportation fuel sold in the U.S. to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuels. He was also involved in the passing of the 1998 law to allow the use of biodiesel in fleet cars that would lead to making this renewable fuel more available across the country.

“Thank you John for your work on behalf of corn farmers during a lifetime in public service,” said Leigh.