Agricultural and Food Policy
 Agri Outlook
Radio
Number 87
Policy/Noteworthy: U.S. House of Representatives Passage of Roadmap for Renewable Energy Production (2:48 minutes)
Audio/Video Script:
Dr. Bobby Coats
Extension Economist
University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture
By resolution the U.S. House of Representatives has established an ambitious
goal to expand renewable energy production in the United States over the next
two decades. I’m Bobby Coats Extension Economist University of
Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
By resolution on September 15th the U.S. House of Representatives has
established an ambitious goal to expand renewable energy production in the
United States over the next two decades. The House in their 25 by '25 Resolution
indicates that by the year 2025, at least 25 percent of the total energy
consumed in the United States should come from homegrown renewable sources. Renewable energy today accounts for around 6% of the
United States' total energy needs.
Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson said. “The 25 by '25
Resolution is a statement of our national commitment to support the development
of renewable energy sources. I believe that we can not only meet but exceed the
goal of 25 percent by 2025, but every journey starts with a first step, and this
resolution is a very important first step to national energy independence.”
Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte said, “Increased
development of renewable energy opens new markets for our nation’s producers,
provides consumers with a safe, sustainable, environmentally friendly, and
renewable source of energy, and decreases our nation’s dependency on foreign
oil. I commend the House for recognizing the important role American agriculture
plays in domestic energy production and I look forward to working with my
colleagues and the industry as we work to turn the goal of 25 by ’25 into a
reality.”
In January of this year Chairman Peterson and Ranking Member Goodlatte
introduced the 25 by ’25 Resolution. The House Agriculture Committee approved
the resolution in May and reported it favorably to the House floor.
The resolution recognizes how agricultural-based energy sources, including
ethanol and biodiesel, can compliment a safe, abundant and affordable
domestically produced supply of food, feed and fiber in the United States.
This has been Bobby Coats Extension Economist University of Arkansas Division
of Agriculture.
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