NFU Delegates Voice Support for Increased Renewable Energy
For Immediate Release: March 5, 2007
Contact: Liz Friedlander, 202-314-3191ORLANDO, Fla. (March 5, 2007) – National Farmers Union approved a policy position today to enhance energy and environmental opportunities for rural America. Farmers and ranchers have become valuable contributors to America’s energy supply and NFU members expressed optimism for the many opportunities producers have to build an energy independent nation.
“America’s farmers and ranchers have the ability to play a key role in developing renewable fuels,” NFU President Tom Buis said. “NFU has been a long-time advocate for the increased use and production of fuels from the farm and it is encouraging to see our leaders in Washington take notice. However, it is important to recognize that more can be done.”
NFU is supporting expanded research and development dollars for renewable energy technology, expanding the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) that mandates biofuels production make up one-third of the nation’s fuel supply; establishing a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that requires 25 percent of energy usage to come from renewables by 2025; incentives for local ownership of renewable energy production; and extension and expansion of renewable energy tax credits, including permanent extension of the renewable energy production tax credit (PTC).
NFU also expressed support for a national mandatory carbon emission cap and trade system to reduce non-farm greenhouse gas emissions. NFU is the first agricultural organization to become an aggregator of carbon credits on the Chicago Climate Exchange.
