Rep. Budzinski Requests Federal Funding for National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center

By Lyndi Allen

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski is requesting federal funding for the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) through her Community Project Funding requests. This project could significantly expand the center’s capabilities and boost new markets and demand for Illinois corn farmers.

With federal funding, NCERC will be able to add the equipment needed to expand its capabilities in the development and commercialization of biotechnologies. The expansion would establish the first low-cost, low-carbon intensity conversion demonstration plant in the United States for producing cellulosic ethanol—a pathway for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. Dr. Yan Zhang, the Center’s Director of Research and Interim Executive Director, says pilot trials are underway and could soon benefit the entire industry.