The farm bill approved by the Senate Ag Committee and currently being considered on the Senate floor continues Energy Title programs with mandatory funding – reduced by two-thirds from 2008 levels. A group of Representatives has now asked the House Ag Committee to renew core Farm Bill Energy Title programs that advance energy efficiency, renewable resources and energy independence. The bipartisan group says overcoming the nation’s energy challenges requires long-term and consistent commitment. The House members – led by Georgia’s Sanford Bishop Jr. and Iowa’s Tom Latham – emphasize the Rural Energy for America Program, the Biomass Crop Assistance Program and the Biorefinery Assistance Program.
According to a letter sent to the Agriculture Committee – REAP has supported projects in every state and with many diverse technologies. The letter states that both BCAP and the Biorefinery Assistance Program have supported projects across the country – including in the South. The letter cites a growing track record of accomplishment for agriculture-based energy – including hundreds of new BCAP projects under development, more than 7,750 energy efficiency and renewable energy projects funded by REAP and USDA’s first loan guarantees for cellulosic biofuels projects.
Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, John Barrow of Georgia, Maryland’s Roscoe Barlett, North Carolina’s G.K. Butterfield, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, Wisconsin’s Ron Kind, Iowa’s Steve King, as well as Bobby Schilling and Aaron Schock of Illinois joined Representatives Latham and Bishop in signing the letter.
Source: NAFB News Service