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October 28, 2011
A weekly look at sustainable bioenergy, farm, and forest policy issues
Agriculture Secretary Pushes 2012 Farm Bill Priorities, Including Energy Programs
The House and Senate Agriculture Committees are scrambling to complete a bipartisan deficit reduction plan by November 1 for Farm Bill nutrition and agriculture programs. This would set the priorities and spending limits for the Farm Bill which is to be reauthorized in 2012. They have proposed an overall reduction of $23 billion over the next ten years. In a speech in Iowa, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack underscored what is at stake.
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Biogas Projects in Eight States Get a Boost from Rural Energy for America Program
Using organic waste to produce renewable energy is a win-win for livestock producers and food processors, local rural economies, energy security, and the environment. This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced grants and loans for nineteen projects in eight states – from Florida to Idaho and from Vermont to Oregon.
Assuring Sustainability in Biomass Production: Works in Progress
Examples of these critical works in progress include: 1) A comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation programs in reducing soil and nutrient loss from row crop agriculture in the Great Lakes watershed; 2) Ongoing research by USDA and the Department of Energy (DOE) Biomass Program concerning the sustainable production of biomass feedstocks; and 3) The development of international standards and certification systems for biomass production.
As Heating Oil Prices Surge, So Does Conversion to Wood Heat
The cost of oil dependence is rising again this year for households that heat with heating oil and propane. Heating oil costs are forecast to be the highest on record this winter, and propane costs are going up, too. Increasing numbers of households are shifting to heating with wood.
Help EESI Advance Bioenergy on November 9th through Give to the Max Day
EESI asks you to join us and other nonprofits in Give to the Max Day on November 9th, an exciting one-day fundraising event. You can advance sustainable bioenergy by participating in Give to the Max Day on November 9 for EESI!
Gifts given to EESI on Wednesday, November 9 will help us advance sustainable bioenergy, farm, and forestry policies! So please pledge your support to EESI on November 9th. You can even become a fundraiser and encourage friends and family to give as well!
EESI will be competing for more than $100,000 in cash awards. Please help us win Give to the Max Day prizes by giving on November 9th—and spreading the word! Thanks for your commitment to sustainable bioenergy, farms, and forests!
Writer: Ned Stowe
Top-Rated Climate Nonprofit – 4-Star Charity