STATION EDITORIAL
Posted March 7, 2024
This is a station editorial, I’m Randal J. Miller, station president.
A news release came across my e-mail from the Illinois Corn Growers Association that I took note of. On February 22nd, Illinois state lawmakers tried hitting the gas to incorporate California’s extreme vehicle emissions standards into the Midwest.
HB1634 allows California to govern Illinois Vehicle Code and would essentially require 35% of new light duty vehicles including cars, SUV’s and pick-up trucks sold must be electric by 2026. By 2035, 100% must be electric.
The bill also mandates 75% of all new heavy- duty truck sales and 40% of class 7 and 8 tractor sales must be zero emission by 2035, and requires new trucks sold to be zero emission starting in 2036. Requires used trucks owned by medium and large fleets also be zero emission by 2042.
Illinois Corn Growers Association President Dave Rylander was quoted as saying if this bill passes, it will have drastic impacts on agriculture, trucking and transportation industries, and also open the door for more aggressive regulations without the voter’s consent in the future.
I can’t believe that in one of the largest corn producing and ethanol producing states in the nation, a bill like this would even see the light of day.
But, some Chicago Democrats that don’t understand agriculture or anything south of Interstate 80, are pushing this and introduced the bill in the first place.
The Corn Growers are trying to stop this bill before it ever gets a hearing, and they need YOUR help. Please click HERE to voice your concern with HB1634.
Please take the time to respond NOW before this bill gets any further. Its passage will mean higher prices for our vehicles, higher costs for agriculture, trucking and transportation, which means even MORE inflation put on our backs.
That’s our opinion, we welcome yours. Our e-mail address is editorial@randyradio-dot-com.
