By TIM ALEXANDER
Illinois Correspondent

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — U.S. Congressman Ray LaHood (R-Ill.) was honored for his work in promoting Illinois’ 25x25 Renewable Energy Alliance during a special ceremony in Peoria last week.

Former U.S. and Illinois House Representative Tom Ewing, coordinator of Illinois’ 25x25 efforts, presented an award of appreciation to LaHood along with Illinois 25x25 spokesperson and Pike/Scott County Farm Bureau Executive Director Blake Roderick. The ceremony was held at the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center.

“Ray LaHood has been a real champion of the 25x25 movement since we started it in 2004,” said Ewing, speaking at the Illinois Commodity Classic conference in Bloomington. “He was a supporter of our independent resolution in Congress recognizing our goal of producing 25 percent of the nation’s energy from renewable sources— including agricultural sources— by the year 2525.”

"25x25 is a national coalition organized to promote the U.S.’ goal of producing 25 percent of its energy from renewable sources such as biofuels, wind, solar and hydro. Nearly 800 national, state and local organizations, companies and governments support the 25x25 initiative. American farm income is expected to increase by some $180 billion, while U.S. oil consumption is projected to reduce by 2.5 million barrels per day under the plan. 25x25 is a key component of the U.S. Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007."

LaHood, a Republican from Illinois’ 18th Congressional District serving his seventh term, has announced he will not seek re-election to Congress when his current term expires.

“We’re very happy for Ray’s work and are going to miss him,” said Ewing. “We want people to know what a good job he did for energy, for agriculture, for national security and for jobs in Illinois. Jobs are what we’re really talking about with 25x25.”

Up to five million new jobs are expected to be created nationwide in order to fulfill and maintain the initiative’s goals, with a potential for $700 billion in new economic activity annually.

In Illinois, some 220,000 new jobs could be created – many in rural areas – and $40 billion in new economic output could be realized. Farm income in Illinois is expected to rise by $3 billion because of 25x25.

LaHood’s seat will be filled by State Rep. Aaron Schock of Peoria, who won election over former Peoria ag news broadcaster Colleen Callahan on Nov. 4. Ewing said Illinois 25x25 has been in contact with Schock.

“I think (Schock) is a very able replacement. A good young person with a lot of ambition and drive can make some good headway,” Ewing said. ‘

“We’ve talked to him about renewable energy.”
Schock has indicated his support for 25x25 in past interviews with reporters.

Currently, both the national and Illinois 25x25 Alliances are working to create more partnerships and explore production possibilities. The Illinois alliance is also working to ensure that the initiative remains a hot topic among legislators.

“We’re going to work to keep the goals of 25x25 front and center with the state legislature. We’ve got a lot of things to do to keep this goal out there and address any problems that might prevent us from reaching our goal,”Ewing said.

“The first potential problem that comes to mind is the infrastructure that is needed to make renewable fuels available to all parts of our state. We also have to make sure there is sustainability in agriculture so that once we get this energy source going, we don’t lose it for future generations. Illinois is really poised to be a leader among the states in 25x25 because of its great natural resources, including rich soil and abundant water.”