The farm bill isn’t the only legislation of interest to ag groups right now. In fact, I think I’ve had more email over the energy bill lately. Of course it’s now on it’s way to the President to sign tomorrow morning and who knows when that will happen with the farm bill. Here’s a sample of comments just sent out after the House passed the energy bill this afternoon. I’m sure more will be sent out by tomorrow.
“Getting an energy bill across the finish line is no small accomplishment and one in which this Congress should take great pride. By coupling increased renewable fuels use with improved efficiency standards for automobiles, Congress is making a bold statement about the future direction of energy policy in this country. By seizing on the potential that renewable fuels offer to reduce foreign oil dependence and greenhouse gas emissions and provide meaningful economic opportunity across this country, this Congress has put America firmly on a path toward greater energy stability and sustainability.” (Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen)
“We are ecstatic that a robust energy bill is finally within reach,” said NCGA President Ron Litterer. “The passage of this historic bill is a major step toward energy independence. We eagerly await the president signing this legislation into law.”
“On behalf of the American Coalition for Ethanol’s nearly 2,000 grassroots members nationwide, I applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for taking action on this energy bill and including the critically important Renewable Fuels Standard that will increase America’s energy security through the expanded production and consumption of ethanol. Congress’ bipartisan spirit has made energy progress possible for the good of all Americans who deserve better, more cost-effective choices at the pump than expensive, imported oil and gasoline. Ethanol is a win-win-win for the U.S. economy, environment, and energy security.” (Brian Jennings, Executive Vice President of ACE)
“Commercialized cellulosic ethanol would mean significant new opportunities for economic growth in America’s rural economies and increased energy independence,” said John Thaemert, NAWG president. “A strong energy bill with an increased renewable fuel standard provides the certainty the industry needs to get off the ground, and we applaud Congress for taking this bold step.”
“We’re pleased the energy bill passed by the Senate and now the House includes a strong renewable fuels standard of 36 billion gallons by 2022,” AFBF President Bob Stallman said. “American farmers and ranchers have the opportunity to play a significant role in the energy solutions of the future, including the production of renewable energy sources such as ethanol and biodiesel.
“We’re not saying, ‘let’s hit the breaks’ on ethanol production. We’re saying, ‘let’s take our foot off the gas’ when it comes to increasing the mandate even more,” says Jay Truitt, NCBA’s vice president of government affairs. “Allow the marketplace to become a factor in the growth of this industry, and allow the livestock sectors’ concerns to be considered.” “Renewable energy has drawn a lot of attention in the political arena, but the gravity of this issue demands more than campaign sound bites and stump speeches,” says Truitt. “Energy independence is a mutual goal for all of us. But it should be market driven and it should be sustainable.”
“We congratulate the House and the Senate for the bipartisan efforts of policymakers who worked together to pass this landmark legislation that will help America depend less on foreign oil and more on clean-burning, domestically produced biodiesel,” said NBB CEO Joe Jobe. “Biodiesel producers across America stand ready to meet the aggressive renewable goals provided for in this bill.”