Pelosi and Representatives Release Draft Of Clean Energy Act

by Christina Lovato, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service

This afternoon Speaker Nancy Pelosi along with Congressmen Henry Waxman (D-CA), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), released a draft of comprehensive energy legislation, known as the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.

Speaker Pelosi says the act will create jobs, help end our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and combat global warming.

“We have an obligation to future generations to preserve this planet and a moral obligation to preserve it as God’s creation,” said Pelosi.

Speaker Pelosi said today that the climate crisis we are facing is not only an environmental health issue, but that it is a national security issue and a moral issue.

“Energy independence and fighting climate change are flagship issues for this Congress. It will also be the impetus for new jobs and a new economic revival for our country,” said Pelosi.

Rep. Markey said that we need to look at this legislation as a good opportunity and if it gets passed it can create 3 to 5 million jobs all across the country.

“The planet is running a fever but there are no emergency rooms or plans so we have to act in a preventative way.”

Rep. Waxman said that Congress has a unique historic opportunity to pass legislation that will make our country more energy independent so that we can protect our national security.

Waxman said “This legislation will try to avert the terrible consequences of global warming.... legislation that will renovate and transform our economy for many many new jobs to give our people the jobs they need to get out of this recession/depression.”

Roger Johnson, the National Farmers Union President said that the union wants to be sure to play a constructive role with this legislation and said that there are already 3600 members doing innovative, and advanced agricultural practices to reduce greenhouse gases.

“Earth Day is something farmers celebrate every day of the year as we work the Earth and we want to make sure that it continues to be protected,” said Johnson.

The bill is expected to pass in the Full Energy and Commerce Committee on Energy before the Memorial Day recess at the end of May.

“On this Earth Day we commit ourselves, not just ourselves, but our nation, to protecting our planet, creating jobs for our workers and by passing clean energy legislation,” concluded Pelosi.

Millions Invested In 55 New Watershed Projects

By Suzia van Swol-University of New Mexico, Talk Radio News Service
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $84.7 million in stimulus funding for 55 Watershed Operation Projects in 20 states.

These projects “are part of President Obama’s national recovery plan to modernize our nations infrastructure, jump start the economy and create in this case, close to 1,500 new jobs,” said Vilsack during a conference call.

Vilsack said that the Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service has worked closely with local sponsors to identify projects that are ready for implementation, and those receiving resources have an 18 month time frame to “put them to work,” said Vilsack.

Projects are intended to provide both economic stimulus, assist local economies, and bring the benefits of natural resource conservation to watersheds nationwide. “These projects and funding means reduced soil erosion, better water quality, protecting people from the ravaging of flooding, and more reliable water supplies in communities across the country,” said Vilsack.

Vilsack Sets Out Top Priorities for USDA

By Kayleigh Harvey - Talk Radio News Service

In a conference call today, Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack set out the key areas the American people can expect the USDA to focus on, under the new Obama administration.

The top priorities he identified included promoting a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply for all Americans and people around the world. He further stated that combating childhood obesity, enhanced healthy nutrition, and supporting research in the health care debate would be a key focus. Vilsack also announced that the USDA will work on achieving Obama's target to eliminate child hunger by 2015.

Vilsack identified that another key area the USDA will be working on under the new administration would be research development in additional bio-fuels. The USDA will support the survival of the bio-fuel industry whilst promoting policies that will speed up the development of second and third generation feedstocks for these bio-fuels and in turn increase the potential to secure America's energy security and independence. He will lead the USDA in it's efforts to adopt management practices that promote and provide clean air, clean water and wildlife habitat. The USDA aim to support the profitability of farmers and ranchers, developing markets that reward them for carbon sequestration and eliminating greenhouse gases.

Vilsack concluded by stating that: "We have some serious challenges and many opportunities to pursue here at the USDA. I am looking forward to working with the dedicated employees of the USDA and all the departments to fulfill President Obama's desire of effecting change, promoting a stronger, more vibrant and more economically viable royal America".

Global food aid: We need help from the White House

At a news conference held in the Capitol, Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), said this is the worst food crisis he can think of, and it is
not only a crisis about food, it's about global security. The requested amount in US food aid, $550 million, is the same amount of
money that is spent daily in Iraq. He demonstrated the rioting taking place in other parts of the world by displaying large photos of Haiti and Egypt, plus a close up photo of villagers in Mahboobmagar, India, reaching for rice that was being sold by government officials. He said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice agrees with his sentiment, and they need adequate funds to deal with this insecurity. Damage with a food crisis, he said, can be as damaging as any other threat.

Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) said there are two challenges. One, is humanitarian, pointing out the desperation on the faces of the people in the photos. Secondly, this is a national and international security threat, as people are likely to turn to more extreme measures when they are desperate. In the short term, we need to add money to the original request, in order to help as much as possible. Another point needed to be made, is that we need to help permanently increase agriculture production by improving crop yields, so that nations can feed themselves. In addition, prices to export food overseas needs to be addressed, so that food can reach the intended people instead of sitting and rotting in warehouses.

One question raised was whether or not biofuel production is raising food prices. Durbin said he's supported ethanol and biofuel production from the beginning, but it has to be understood that it's had an impact on food prices. We've got to be honest about it, he said, it has. The price of corn is part of the reality. He stressed again the need to find an affordable way to transport food from one place to another, and said they really needed help from the White House.