It’s Law! NCGA Celebrates Signing of Energy Bill
NCGA President Ron Litterer issued the following statement today regarding final passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act.
“NCGA is delighted President George W. Bush signed the energy bill into law today, taking an historic step in strengthening America’s national security and reducing the country’s dependence on foreign oil.
“NCGA appreciates Congress’s strong bipartisan leadership in getting the energy bill to the president’s desk. This legislative victory would not have been possible without the many renewable fuels advocates who paved the way. This energy bill demonstrates that leaders in both the Democratic and Republican parties clearly understand the future energy needs of this country.
“Additionally, I commend the nation’s corn growers for their efforts in making the 15 billion-gallon renewable fuels standard (RFS) for corn ethanol a reality.”
NCGA Hails House Passage of Energy Bill; Measure Moves to President’s Desk
A renewable fuels standard (RFS) of which 15 billion gallons comes from corn, inched closer to law today, creating a solid foundation for grain-derived ethanol to continue to flourish, according to the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).
The bipartisan house passage today of the Energy Independence and Security Act is the last stop before the president’s desk. The measure includes a 36 billion gallon RFS by 2022.
“We are ecstatic that a robust energy bill is finally within reach,” said NCGA President Ron Litterer. “The passage of this historic bill is a major step toward energy independence. We eagerly await the president signing this legislation into law.”
NCGA thanks the House Leadership for their diligence and dedication in passing this vital national energy security legislation. “We are grateful to the many renewable fuels champions of the House who made this legislative victory possible,” Litterer added.
Corn growers nationwide have been vocal in advocating for an energy bill. “The National Corn Growers Association put out a national call to its members to contact their congressional leadership and they responded in a big way,” Litterer said. Growers contacted their members of Congress, wrote letters, sent e-mails, attended town hall meetings, and made Capitol Hill visits. Their diligence has truly paid off.”
Other provisions in the bill include:
- Requirement of 9 billion gallons of renewable fuels in 2008, progressively increasing to the 36 billion gallon requirement by 2022, including a 1 billion-gallon mandate for biodiesel;
- Increases in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020, the first congressional increase in 32 years;
- Studies on the feasibility of ethanol pipelines, higher blend levels and the optimization of flex fuel vehicles.
NCGA is hopeful that the president will sign the bill into law by Christmas.
NCGA Recognizes State-Level Corn Yield Contest Winners
Out of a record number of entrants, 529 corn growers were recognized as tops in their field for the 2007 harvest , breaking records left and right and coming out on top as state-level winners of the National Corn Yield Contest. State results are now available online.
NCGA Names National Corn Yield Contest Winners
Innovative production techniques and improved seed varieties helped corn growers achieve top numbers in the National Corn Grower Association (NCGA) 2007 National Corn Yield Contest. Not only was the number of entries higher than ever, several entrants scored yields of more than double the estimated average.
"We're always excited to see the yield levels achieved by growers," said Steve Ebke, vice chairman of NCGA's Production and Stewardship Action Team and a grower from Daykin, Neb. "This contest demonstrates the sort of production innovation that has helped our corn farmers meet the demand for corn-based food, feed, fuel and fiber."
The 27 national winners in nine production categories had verified yields averaging more than 298 bushels per acre, compared to the estimated national average of 153 bushels per acre. Ten winners (and 24 entrants overall) posted yields of more than 300 bushels per acre.
While there is no overall winner in the contest, yields of farmers who placed first, second and third in their production categories ranged from 252.6366 by Gary Porter of Mercer, Iowa, to 385.5861 by David K. Hula of Charles City, Va.
The national and state contest winners will be honored at the 2008 Commodity Classic, the combined convention and trade show of NCGA, the American Soybean Association and the National Association of Wheat Growers, Feb. 28 to March 1 in Nashville, Tenn. Contest winners will also be featured in a special edition of Farm Journal magazine. This year’s guide is sponsored by BASF, Bayer CropScience and Deere & Company.
Click here for the list of national winners . A list of state-level winners will be forwarded to participating seed companies and state corn growers associations today, and posted online here later this week.
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NOTE: There will be no Corn Commentary the week of December 28, 2007 due to the Holidays. |
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