| October 14, 2003: For
a second year, the omnibus energy bill is bogged down in disputes
over electric deregulation, drilling in the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge and gasoline additives. Unfortunately, these
battles are complicating a popular and needed provision to promote
energy independence and provide opportunities in rural America.
Farmers and ranchers are most concerned with the
House and Senate disagreement over the renewable fuels standard
(RFS). While the Senate RFS would triple renewable
fuels in less than 10 years, the House plan provides a more
lengthy phase-in for increased ethanol use. The Senate plan
would rid America of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), a
gasoline additive that is a proven pollutant of private wells
and ground water in a vast majority of states. The House language
does not ban MTBE and, instead, provides liability protection
for MTBE producers.
The answer to this conflict is a no-brainer. On
one hand, we have the Senate’s plan to increase usage
of sustainable and renewable fuels and provide an environmentally-friendly
alternative to MTBE. On the other hand, there’s the
House version that provides a safe harbor for MTBE producers,
many of which are overseas companies. Shouldn’t we be
more concerned about protecting our environment than the companies
that are contributing to its ruin?
In addition, the conference committee is considering drilling
in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, a House proposal.
But, it seems to be ignoring the Senate’s proposed Alaska
natural gas pipeline, which would help reduce soaring natural
gas prices that affect America’s home heating bills
and farmers’ current bottom line.
The Senate energy plan has the support of the petroleum industry,
the agriculture community and a bipartisan Senate majority.
Meanwhile, the House version is being pushed in conference
committee without bipartisan participation.
Enacting anything less than the Senate’s RFS
is truly a waste of energy. The Senate energy legislation
brings America a lot closer to energy independence and environmental
stewardship. The House version is simply unacceptable. In
fact, 42 senators have threatened filibuster if the energy
bill includes the House’s liability waiver for MTBE
manufacturers. If the House energy plan prevails in conference
committee, Congress may have to start from scratch on energy
legislation for a third year.
Congress should not blow this historic opportunity to power
our nation with renewable energy that would create economic
opportunities in rural America, stabilize farm income, improve
the environment and help free our nation from reliance on
imported energy sources. U.S. farmers and ranchers are standing
by, prepared to contribute to our nation’s growing energy
needs.
On behalf of 300,000 farm and ranch families, National
Farmers Union (www.nfu.org)
works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality
of life for rural citizens through legislative representation,
educational opportunities and support for farmer-owned cooperative
ventures. Contact NFU at nfunews@nfu.org.
|
