Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich this week announced more than $25 million in grants and support to help build five new ethanol and biodiesel production facilities across Illinois.

According to a release from the governor’s office, the new plants will spur about $334 million in private investment, produce 225 million gallons of biofuels each year, create almost 150 new jobs and reduce Illinois’ dependence on foreign oil.

“Energy independence means not being held hostage by OPEC every time you fill up the tank with gas. These new ethanol and biodiesel plants mean more homegrown fuel that can replace foreign oil and give drivers more options and cheaper alternatives,” Gov. Blagojevich said.