On June 26 the United States House of Representatives passed HR 2454, The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, by a vote of 219-212. The Texas Wheat Producers Association was one of more than 100 national and state agricultural associations opposed to the bill.
“The Texas Wheat Producers Association commends Chairman Collin Peterson for his efforts to support agriculture, but opposes the final passage of The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009,” said Association Executive Vice President Rodney Mosier.
Mosier praised the House Committee on Agriculture for their efforts in negotiating an amendment which was adopted to address producers’ needs for a strong agricultural offset program ran by USDA. Despite the inclusion of the amendment, association representatives were still concerned.
“The association is hesitant to support this bill without fully acknowledging the complexity and severity of this piece of legislation,” Mosier said. “We believe there is a lack of sound research illustrating the potential effects on the cost of production and global competitiveness of American producers and consumers.”
Mosier also commended the National Association of Wheat Growers for their efforts during the markup of the climate change bill.
“Despite clear efforts by many to serve agricultural producers, this bill reaches far beyond the spectrum of which it was intended,” Mosier said, “potentially causing a burden on producers and consumers.
Mosier said the association is dedicated to serving its members and will continue to operate under the direction of its Executive Committee when addressing the uncertainties associated with this piece of legislation.
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