Ag Energy Coalition Releases Policy Recommendations for 2021
January 16, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC – The Agriculture Energy Coalition (AgEC) today released a
set of 12 policy recommendations designed to help the agriculture sector
take a seat at the table in addressing the climate crisis. The coalition
recommends that Congress enhance existing U.S. Department of Agriculture
programs to better support small rural businesses, emerging technologies,
and clean energy.
"Congress must ensure that any stimulus, infrastructure, and
appropriations or budget reconciliation legislation is both ag and climate
smart," said Lloyd Ritter, executive director of the Agriculture Energy
Coalition. "Providing relief to rural communities and supporting ongoing
economic recovery and growth is exceptionally important. At the same time,
these policies support the agriculture sector's ability to store carbon and
preserve sustainability for our future. The AgEC recommendations can be
implemented quickly to save and create key jobs of the 21st century at
modest cost to the Federal Treasury."
"We are optimistic that Congress will recognize the
need for a REAP Reserve Fund to ensure equity in the program and allow all
renewable energy technologies to compete fairly," said Patrick Serfass,
Executive Director of the American Biogas Council (ABC). "Biogas systems
take organic wastes and turns them into biogas and valuable nutrients. These
systems are one of the most impactful methods of reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and creating additional forms of revenue for the on-farm economy.
We are looking forward to working with the AgEC on this and other important
policy recommendations."
"Sustainable utilization of organic waste produced from
forests and farms is a crucial tool in combating climate change. Using
low-value ag and forest residues to generate energy helps reduce wildfire
risk and methane release from decomposition, and it shores up rural
economies," stated Carrie Annand, Executive Director, Biomass Power
Association.
“The National Rural Lenders Association serves as a
prominent advocate for USDA Guaranteed Lending programs to support rural
economic development. Guaranteed lending is an often overlooked resource for
the needed capital for businesses and communities in rural America that
often goes unmet,” stated NRLA Chairman Joe Geisler. “Various guaranteed
lending programs fill an important gap in access to capital for rural
business, communities, not-for-profits and tribal entities. The
recommendations as outlined in the AgEC proposal help to fill gaps that we
have identified and have been advocating for both to Congress and the USDA.”
"The National Rural Lenders' Roundtable, one of
the industry's top trade groups who provides leadership and advocacy for
USDA Rural Development's guaranteed loan programs, strongly supports the
initiatives outlined in the AgEC proposal," added NRLR President Jordan
Blanchard. "These initiatives are critical in helping small businesses
overcome the effects of COVID and spur economic development in Rural
America."
The AgEC recommends enhancements to USDA Rural Development energy
programs and Commodity Credit Corporation grants; extension of clean energy
tax credits; and replenished funding for Business and Industry loan
programs. The coalition also recommends new focus on Sustainable Aviation
Fuels and the role of biomass in forest fire risk reduction.
###
The Agriculture Energy Coalition (AgEC) represents a diverse set of interests in agriculture and renewable energy, including farmers, advanced biofuel and bio-based manufacturers, clean tech, rural lenders, and environmental NGOs.
|