Policy Articles
One SRE Rejected, More Refinery Petitions Pending
Published November 8, 2021
The Environmental Protection Agency has rejected the bid from one oil company for a small refinery exemption. There are 32 petitions still pending for 2019. There are also 28 pending petitions for 2020 and three for 2021. Under the Renewable…Think Global
Published November 8, 2021
According to Soy Transportation Coalition President Mike Steenhoek, Rural America will benefit from the investment for roads and bridges in the infrastructure bill. The investment in ports and waterways will also benefit agriculture. "When you represent the soybean industry where…What’s Included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill
Published November 7, 2021
The $1.2 trillion infrastructure package designates $110 billion for roads and bridges with $66 billion for rail improvements. There’s $65 billion included for high-speed internet investments. For agriculture, there's funding included for a biobased pilot program and updates to the…U.S. House Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal
Published November 7, 2021
On a vote of 228 to 206, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package on Friday night. The vote happened after House lawmakers agreed the Build Back Better plan didn’t have to be passed in…Governors Send E15 Letter to EPA
Published November 7, 2021
Seven governors from the Midwest are asking EPA Administrator Michael Regan to outline the next steps forward to allow E15 to be sold year-round. Earlier this year, a court overturned the 2019 EPA regulation allowing year-round E15 sales. Minnesota Governor…Climate Smart Agriculture on a Global-Scale
Published November 7, 2021
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew joined Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a panel discussion on climate change at COP26. Larew talked about carbon markets. "We're trying to push for change, but we still need additional information. As we talk…Behnam’s Nomination Moves to Full Senate
Published November 7, 2021
The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the nomination of Rostin Behnam as the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. In a statement, Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow said there’s strong bipartisan support for Behnam. Ranking Member John Boozman urged colleagues to swiftly…An Unclear Future of Drought Relief for MN Ag
Published November 7, 2021
Earlier this fall, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz proposed drought aid for livestock producers and farmers using COVID relief money. Without having a special session, Minnesota Senator Torrey Westrom is not confident how or if that money will be coming to…Drought Relief Will Likely Wait Until Regular Session
Published November 5, 2021
Late season rains have improved conditions, but Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says 30 percent of Minnesota remains in severe drought. "It really lingered from St. Cloud north and we're still concerned about the availability of feed and for farmers,…