by Kevin Bessler, The Center Square | May 05, 2021 07:00 PM Print this article Legislation designed to lead Illinois down a path to a clean energy economy is being applauded by farming groups. The Consumer and Climate First Act was recently introduced in the General Assembly, and includes numerous proposals to lead the state to a clean energy economy. The Consumers and Climate First Act proposes to “decarbonize fuels during the transition to electrification, and establishes minimum biodiesel standards (B20) for diesel sold in Illinois to smooth the transition to an electrified transportation sector.” “It is important that we have that policy on the books to show the rest of the country that Illinois means what it says about biodiesel and we are going to go forward and make sure we are a leader on the topic,” said Andrew Larson, director of public policy with Illinois Soybean Growers. “We are the No. 1 producing soybean state in the country, the No. 2 producing corn state, and we are in the top 5 or 6 in population, and that puts us in a position to lead on the use of biodiesel blends.”