Grain & Feed Association's Adkisson sees energy bill bringing higher costs for industry, farmers

Jeff Adkisson, executive vice president, Grain & Feed Association of Illinois | @jeffreyadkisson/Twitter

By Bree Gonzales

Jul 9, 2021

Grain & Feed Association of Illinois executive vice president Jeff Adkisson asked Gov. J.B. Pritzker and lawmakers to ensure affected parties are involved when crafting bill proposals.

Adkisson specifically commented on the governor’s omnibus energy bill which would prohibit the use of coal and natural gas by 2030 and 2045, respectively.

“Our association represents over 150 agricultural businesses throughout the state of Illinois,” he began his remarks. “These companies receive, condition, store and ship the corn, soybeans, wheat, and other commodities by Illinois farmers as well as manufacture food for pets, equine, and livestock.”

Adkisson joined other Illinois business leaders in the merchant and manufacturing industry who decry Pritzker’s measure, arguing their processes will be negatively affected by the Consumers and Climate First Act.

“Each of these processes takes electricity,” he continued. “High horsepower motors to run conveying equipment and feed manufacturing equipment and large fans to keep the grain in condition. Having a reliable power supply to handle the crop when the farmers harvest in the fall is crucial to maintaining the quality of perishable commodities that we receive.”

The bill would bring a huge increase in business expenditures, according to Adkisson. Legislators and the governor should have studied the deep effects, he said.

“The increased cost for power to agricultural businesses like those run by our members will be passed on in the form of lower prices to farmers for their commodities and higher prices for animal food,” Adkisson stated. “We’re requesting the governor and lawmakers to take a more inclusive approach to crafting legislation of this significance.”

The act would also allow non-home rule communities the authority to assess a natural gas use tax.

The business leaders also expect the legislation would cost Illinois a minimum of $700 million a year, including an additional $215 million for new programs.

Illinois Retail Merchants Association, Alton Steel, Continental Envelope, and the Illinois Manufacturers' Association, are some of the companies in opposition to the governor’s proposed measure.