Agriculture Energy Coalition urges Farm Bill energy title support
In Washington, the Agriculture Energy Coalition (AgEC) sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) urging them to defend reauthorization and significant mandatory funding for Farm Bill Energy Title programs as passed by the Senate Agriculture Committee. Several amendments have been offered during Senate floor debate of the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 (S.3240) that would undercut these critical programs.
“America’s agriculture, biotechnology and renewable energy industries are world leaders in the development and commercialization of biofuels, bioproducts, biopower, biogas, energy crops, renewable electricity and energy efficiency. These important and growing industries have already made significant contributions to our economic, environmental and national security and are poised to have an even more profound impact in the coming years – provided we commit ourselves to supporting and nurturing them with sound, consistent, forward-looking policies in the years ahead,” the letter states.
Lloyd Ritter, co-director of the Agriculture Energy Coalition, added, “Farm Bill energy programs support the emergence of new markets for agriculture, encourage putting underutilized land back into production, incentivize innovation in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and create employment opportunities in rural America. These effective programs are a vital part of the overall Farm Bill and provide a strong return for American taxpayers.”
Category: Policy
