The Hill News

Maintaining agricultural productivity in America is indispensable to our economic security, so a safety net for farmers is very important. But abundant affordable clean energy and a healthy economy that can once again create new jobs are also essential national priorities. Advancing renewable fuels and energy efficiency can help farmers, foresters and others in rural America make a sizeable contribution to the nation’s energy and economic security.

America’s agricultural producers want more than just a safety net, they want energy programs that create new markets for their products and new jobs. Rural America is where the need for new jobs is most acute. In the past year, rural communities have seen the unemployment rate continue to climb. The growth of renewable energy is needed to help reverse that trend. But commercializing innovative technologies cannot always be left to market forces. Supportive federal policies are needed to accelerate job creation.

Read more...