Underwood Lowers Costs for Illinois Families by Voting to Pass the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) voted to pass the bipartisan Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act to help lower food prices and the cost of gas for Illinois families. The legislation would provide much-needed relief by reducing farmers' costs and promoting fair business practices in the food industry, which leads to lower costs for families at the grocery store.

Investing in and increasing local renewable energy production is a crucial part of lowering price hikes at the gas pump. The Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act would lower gas prices by supporting increased domestic production of biofuels, an important part of a renewable energy future, which are much cheaper per gallon for consumers.

"Every day, I hear from constituents about how rising prices, from groceries to gas bills, are impacting their families and I understand the worry this creates," said Underwood. "This legislation would alleviate their financial strain by cutting costs at the grocery store and gas pump. It would also lower farming costs and provide fairer access to markets for family farmers. Lower costs for farmers mean lower costs for families."

The Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act would:

• Lower costs at the grocery store by lowering costs for farmers: Russia and Ukraine are major producers of key components of fertilizer, and Putin's unprovoked war has dramatically driven up the costs of fertilizer for American farmers. This legislation includes supports to help farmers use fertilizer in a more targeted manner, reducing costs for farmers, while also providing resource benefits including clean water and reduced carbon use.
• Lower meat and poultry prices by increasing competition and capacity in the meatpacking industry: Most of the meat and poultry market is controlled by a handful of companies whose price gouging and anti-competitive practices harm livestock producers and consumers. This legislation would strengthen enforcement of antitrust authorities to increase competition in the industry, help farmers access fairer markets, and reduce supply-chain bottlenecks, leading to better prices for consumers.
• Help lower prices at the pump by increasing access to biofuels:In Illinois, E15 gasoline (also known as Unleaded 88), which contains a higher proportion of ethanol, is up to 40 cents cheaper per gallon. This legislation provides relief to consumers at the gas pump by expanding their access to E15 and supporting increased domestic production of biofuels.
• Strengthen the food supply chain: A more resilient supply chain will minimize price fluctuations like the ones consumers experienced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation empowers the U.S. Department of Agriculture to work with producers to establish and build upon local supply chains, creating more competitive and resilient food systems throughout the country.

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