Even before Senator Blanche Lincoln became chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee she had voiced her opposition to any climate change legislation that she feels is unfair to farmers and the American agricultural community. Upon being appointed chairman Lincoln reaffirmed her position that the Senate should pursue alternative energy legislation rather than climate change legislation.Now, with a bill passed out of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, Lincoln will have two chances to stand up for agricultural interests as she is a member of one committee with remaining jurisdiction over the bill (the Senate Finance Committee) and she is the chairman of the other committee with remaining jurisdiction (the Senate Agriculture Committee). Thanks to a recent National Journal interview with Chairman Lincoln, we now have some insight into her concerns with the current bill and her hopes for what a final bill may look like.
The interview with Senator Lincoln was conducted by Margaret Kriz Hobson on October 23, 2009 and published on November 4, 2009. What follows will be excerpts from that interview as well as summaries of Lincoln’s position on the issues.
In the interview Lincoln reiterates that she is not against climate change legislation in principal, she just wants to ensure “common-sense solutions” are employed to lower carbon emissions, create new “green jobs,” and lessen the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. She would also like to see agriculture play a role in the creation of green jobs through existing renewable fuel sources and new, developing energy sources like algae and cellulosic-based ethanol.
“I'm going to work hard with the committee members to make sure that our agriculture community has a seat at the table, making sure that not only will they be players, but more importantly that they are seen as part of the solution and not a part of the problem.”
Among the agriculture concerns the senator from Arkansas has, one is the potential for increases in a farmer’s energy costs. There are also concerns over the impact any legislation may have on productivity as well as concerns that foreign competitors will not be subject to the same impacts from the bill as domestic farmers. Then there is the concern that food prices could be impacted by the legislation.
Senator Lincoln did say the Agriculture Committee will hold hearings on the bill, but seemed to indicate no major action would be taken until the Finance Committee acts. Lincoln wants to explore other ways to lower carbon emissions other than through a cap and trade system. The Senator believes the emphasis for lower carbon emissions should be on alternative energy opportunities—the home state view she says she has heard on the campaign trail is to take steps towards alternative energy but don’t go too far with climate change legislation (Senator Lincoln is up for re-election in 2010). “From what I hear on the campaign trail, people want to see us taking those steps but they do have concerns that if we take too big a steps (sic), there's consequences that will set us back. People are very cognizant of the economy.”
When asked whether Lincoln would prefer passing the Energy bill first, rather than wait to make it part of the climate change bill, Lincoln replied “yes,” and mentioned the idea of coupling the legislation with a tax incentive for renewable fuels. She would also like to see some of the credits extended to new alternative fuels that are being developed from algae and chicken litter.
“I have to help produce a bill that recognizes agriculture and forestry and what they bring to the table. That's going to be important.”
To read the interview from the National Journal click here.
Posted; 11/06/09
