Ethanol Promoter Recognized by Illinois Corn Growers

By CnAgri Print

The Honorable John Shimkus, Illinois District 19 Representative to the U.S. House of Representatives, was recognized by the Illinois Corn Growers Association for his work in support of the ethanol industry during their Annual Meeting at the DoubleTree Hotel. He was presented with the Ethanol Award which seeks to celebrate the contributions of individuals that promote the ethanol industry.

"Congressman Shimkus has long been our biggest advocate in the House when it comes to renewable energy, biofuels, and specifically corn-based ethanol. He believes in the fuel, he believes in domestically produced energy, and he believes in the work of corn farmers that fuel the industry. Without Congressman Shimkus, we certainly would not be working with a Renewable Fuels Standard that promotes the use of 15 billion gallons of corn-based ethanol and we certainly would not be enjoying the market prices we see today," said Jeff Scates, Shawneetown farmer and President of the Illinois Corn Growers Association.

John M. Shimkus is serving his 8th term in Congress and represents the 19th District of Illinois, one of the largest geographic districts east of the Mississippi River, stretching from the metro-east region of St. Louis to the state capital in Springfield and down to Metropolis along the Ohio River.

In 2005, Congressman Shimkus worked tirelessly supporting biodiesel and ethanol and eventually saw the inclusion of the Renewable Fuel Standard in the Energy and Policy Act of 2005. His leadership in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and specifically, his chairmanship of the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy, gives him a unique position to support corn-based ethanol.

John received his Bachelor of Science degree in general engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1980. He served over five years active duty in the Army, then entered the Army Reserves. John retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel on June 1, 2008, closing out 28 years of military service. He continues his connection to West Point by being an appointed Congressional member of the Academy's Board of Visitors.

After leaving active duty John earned his teaching certificate from Christ College Irvine, California (now Concordia University Irvine). He returned home to teach at Metro East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville, Illinois.

In 1996 John won his first term as a United States Representative from what was Illinois' 20th District. Following redistricting in 2002, he has represented the 19th District.