Subcommittee Reviews 2008 Farm Bill Energy Title
Members say they must work together to implement energy programs.
Compiled by staff
Published: Jun 10, 2010
The House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research held a hearing Wednesday to review renewable energy and energy efficiency policies authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill as the Committee begins consideration of the next Farm Bill. The 2008 Farm Bill provided $1 billion to fund programs that promote growth in the renewable energy industry and help rural small businesses invest in energy efficiency projects.
Committee Chairman Tim Holden, D-Penn., said this hearing was essential. It is important that we all work together to make sure the Farm Bill energy title programs are fully implemented as quickly as possible if we are to expand domestic production of renewable energy and decrease our dependence on foreign oil. Holden said that full implementation of these programs allows rural communities to survive, prosper, and become part of the energy solution.
Subcommittee Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., said it is unfortunate that two years after the adoption of the Farm Bill none of the major provisions in the title are operating under their final rules. USDA has paid out millions of dollars to programs that are not operating the way Congress intended. This is not the best use of taxpayers' dollars and this is not the way Congress intended to invest in the advancement of next generation biofuels.
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Tagged: farm, farm bill, usda, SURE, biofuels
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