Pennycress: Alternative Fuel Source

WMBD/wYZZ TV - PEORIA -- Republican Congressman Aaron Schock gets a first-hand look at a crop that could change the future of fuel.

Schock spoke with members of the Biodiesel Manufacturers of Illinois about the benefits of pennycress as an alternative fuel source. Pennycress is a weed that is planted in the winter and harvested in spring. Some experts say this weed can make twice as much oil for biodiesel as soybeans.

During his tour of the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research Plan in Peoria, Congressman Schock said he's been working with lawmakers in Washington to make pennycress an insured crop.

Schock says, "By us showing there is a buyer for the product, that helped ease and eliminate some of their concerns for why we need this insurance program. They have pledged their willingness to work with us to include pennycress in a new temporary insurance program for new crops."

He said there's already a group of entrepreneurs ready to build a facility that can use pennycress, to ensure farmers that if they grow it, someone will buy it.