National Corn Growers Association President Martin Barbre today presented NCGA’s 2014 President’s Award to Representative John M. Shimkus, who represents the 15th District of Illinois. The President’s Award is given annually at NCGA’s Corn Congress meeting in Washington to a leader who has worked to advance issues important to corn growers and agriculture.
“I was pleased to be able to honor Representative Shimkus by presenting him the NCGA President’s Award,” Barbre said. “I have worked closely with him for many years now, and he represents my district. He has been a steadfast supporter and advocate for American agriculture, especially the RFS and ethanol industry, and I am proud to call him a friend of corn.”
Among his duties, Congressman Shimkus is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and chairman of its Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy. He also serves on the Energy and Power; Health; and Communications and Technology Subcommittees.
Over the years, he worked with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance policies that enhance our nation’s energy security and public safety. In the House, he has worked tirelessly to support ethanol and biodiesel. Representative Shimkus was instrumental in the inclusion of the Renewable Fuel Standard in the Energy and Policy Act of 2005.
“Farmers across the country, along with all of rural America, benefit from the RFS,” Barbre said. “In advocating to put that first standard in place, Shimkus played an important role in building the communities in which we live today. Our organization has been privileged to work closely with the Representative and his staff, and we look forward to continuing that relationship.”
Source: NCGA