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RE: Energy Legislation Needed for Rural Development and National Security
U.S. energy policy is at a crossroads: countries like China are passing us in the global race to
dominate the renewable energy industry, and our dependence on foreign oil continues to fund hostile
regimes. After decades of talk about a new energy posture, now is the time to take action. New England
Farmers Union (NEFU) continues to seek robust energy legislation that recognizes the role of American
agriculture in achieving energy independence, developing our rural communities, and protecting our
environment.
Dependence on foreign oil is a significant threat to the U.S. military and national security.
Importing oil enriches hostile governments, endangers U.S. soldiers, funnels money to terrorist
organizations and weakens diplomatic leverage with oil producing countries. Shifting to renewable
energy greatly reduces these threats.
Increasing renewable energy production also provides additional income for farmers and serves
as a tool for rural economic development. New England farmers are already overburdened with increasing
production costs and decreasing profit margins. Renewable energy would help to offset increased input
costs so that farmers could afford to stay on their farms. A key component is the inclusion of a Renewable
Electricity Standard (RES), which could bring $13.5 billion to farmers, ranchers and rural landowners
across the country.
A strong energy bill would also create new “green jobs” in rural communities. This will
especially be the case if local ownership is encouraged. Community Wind projects, for instance, ensure
that profits and jobs stay in the local community instead of being sent overseas.
Besides security and economic benefits, renewable energy dramatically reduces greenhouse gas
emissions, which contribute to climate change. Agriculture in New England is already feeling the effects
of climate change in the form of altered precipitation patterns, the migration of invasive species and
increased disease and pestilence pressure. It is time that we address this issue and embrace environmental
sustainability.
With renewable energy, farmers and forested will provide meaningful energy solutions which
strengthen our national security, spur rural economic development and address climate change. Now is
not a time to sit by the sidelines. We must seize this moment. Join us and urge your Congressional
Representatives to work for a clean, renewable energy future.
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