The 25x’25 Alliance is a broad coalition of over 70 agricultural, forestry, national security, business, labor, religious, energy, and environmental organizations that have endorsed this vision: America’s working lands will provide 25 percent of the nation’s energy from renewable resources by 2025. The alliance believes that by reaching this goal it will create economic growth and strengthen rural communities, diversify and increase stability of energy resources, strengthen national security, and reduce pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions.
The summit speakers were an impressive group from state and federal governments and the private sector. There were current and former senators, governors, a former speaker of the House of Representatives, a former director of the Central Intelligence Agency, farmers, and Fortune 500 business leaders, all praising the virtues of renewable resources and the need for the United States to become more energy dependent. They all believe that solar, wind, bioenergy, and biofuels can be captured and/or produced on the landmass managed by U.S. agriculture and forestry, and that technology and production capabilities allow America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to play a major role ensuring a fully sustainable U.S. energy system.
One speaker, a public opinion pollster, provided some interesting information. He said the public has put the importance of energy on par with health care, terrorism, national security, and education. However, these same people, while considering energy to be important, did not think it was an immediate crisis facing the country. They have an immense confidence in our country’s technological capabilities and support the 25x’25 goal. The speaker also reported that 88 percent of the survey respondents support government incentives and 92 percent support minimum standards for the private sector’s use of renewable energy.
I received a lot of questions from other attendees about the rendering industry and biodiesel. It was an excellent opportunity to tell the industry’s story. Many were already aware of renderer’s contributions and seemed to welcome our participation.
I believe the 25x’25 Alliance will be actively engaged in the advancement of renewable energy initiatives. They have a plan in place to get their message to members of Congress. When Congress considers the next farm bill, there will be an energy title. The rendering industry will need to be vigilant and proactive to make sure its interests are addressed and acted upon favorably.
BSE Spawns State Legislation
Just about the time you think it is quieting down on the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) front, something out of the blue appears. This time it is from the Tennessee legislature.
Tennessee Representative Frank Niceley introduced legislation that would go beyond federal regulations by banning all feed containing cattle protein or bone meal made from cattle or other ruminants such as sheep. As soon as the legislation was introduced, the Tennessee Farm Bureau contacted the National Renderers Association (NRA) seeking assistance. The NRA has also been working with other state and national organizations by providing materials that would refute the legislation.
With all of the information out there about BSE, it is surprising that this kind of legislation still gets introduced. We don’t know much about Representative Niceley, except that he is a Republican from an agricultural district. We’ve been told he is adamantly opposed to a mandatory animal identification (ID) program and that he thinks BSE is the primary reason for the mandatory ID initiative. Niceley thinks that if he further tightens the rules on BSE, there would not be a need for the mandatory ID rules.
As of this writing, there is some breathing room to get the legislation derailed. The Tennessee Farm Bureau is organizing a roundtable of experts to meet with members of the Tennessee House Committee to put the facts on the table. NRA will be represented at the roundtable.
This is a very good case where the state agriculture interests are making an aggressive effort to defeat this legislation. They have reached out to the national organizations for assistance. Rendering companies in Tennessee have also stepped forward to offer whatever help they can to reach a successful conclusion.
The NRA often receives requests for assistance from state agricultural organizations on state legislative and regulatory issues. We are most pleased to help wherever we can. In most cases, the state interests handle the issues adequately. However, it is important to remember that just as NRA and the industry monitors issues at the national level, it is just as important to monitor actions at the state level. Renderers in many states have developed good relationships with their respective state governments. This kind of networking is essential if the industry is to protect its interests.
From the Association - April 2006 Render