Q: What is your "green energy" amendment to the farm bill that was adopted in December by the Senate?
A: It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the United States must take aggressive steps to implement smart energy policies that promote better efficiency, increase renewable energy sources and reduce environmental waste. Policymakers need to think in terms of enhancing America’s energy security and economic prosperity. By boosting development of domestic sources of energy, the U.S. can achieve greater energy independence, clean up the environment and create new markets for alternative energy sources. An integrated national energy strategy will reward U.S. taxpayers, consumers, producers and entrepreneurs. And it can even boost economic opportunity in Rural America, a region not typically considered for energy production in the United States. As an outspoken advocate for renewable fuels produced at home, I have championed measures to boost production of corn-based ethanol, soydiesel, wind energy, and biomass. In December, my amendment to help livestock producers develop methane-recovery manure management systems was included in the farm bill under consideration by the U.S. Senate. My legislation would guarantee federal funding for the purchase of anaerobic digesters, the technology used to convert animal waste into electricity.
Q: How does "green energy" work?
A: Hog and cattle producers would be eligible for EQIP payments, which are federal dollars administered by the USDA to provide technical, educational and financial assistance to farmers and ranchers for soil, water and other natural resource issues. My amendment opens the door to make EQIP dollars available to livestock producers for cost-sharing on projects that involve installing anaerobic digesters. Farming "green energy" is an innovative way for the nation to tap into domestic energy resources as we work to meet increased demand for electricity. Rural communities across Iowa would agree that it makes sense to make smart use of the abundant and increasingly concentrated supply of livestock waste. Assisting farmers with the means to purchase the technology and tools it takes to recycle manure and turn it into electricity makes good business, economic and environmental sense.