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October 21, 2011
A weekly look at sustainable bioenergy, farm, and forest policy issues
$23 Billion Cut Proposed for Agriculture and Nutrition Programs
October 14, the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate agriculture committees submitted a bipartisan recommendation to the Joint Select Committee for Deficit Reduction to cut spending for agriculture and nutrition programs by $23 billion over the next ten years. Agriculture committee leaders will provide further details of recommended cuts by November 1. The fate of sustainable agriculture conservation and energy programs hangs in the balance.
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Senate Debates FY12 Agriculture Spending Bill
On October 18, the Senate began debate on the fiscal year (FY) 2012 agriculture appropriations bill. The bill would reduce funding for conservation programs by by $700 million dollars and would cut funding for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) in half. It would sustain funding, however, for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP).
House Votes to Delay Clean Air Rules for Biomass and Fossil Fuel Boilers
On October 13, the House voted to delay the EPA’s implementation of Clean Air Act rules that would set standards for hazardous air pollutant emissions from boilers fueled by coal, petroleum, biomass, and solid waste. Both EPA and industry stakeholders seemed to agree that additional time was needed to make the standards more workable and achievable and to advance clean air goals at least cost. But many clean air advocates were concerned that the rule making process has already been delayed for far too long.
Combined Heat and Power in the News at EPA
Combined heat and power (CHP) systems combine the production of heat and power into one process, using much less fuel than when the heat and power are produced separately. CHP systems can achieve efficiencies of 80 percent or more, compared to producing heat and power separately. This means fewer emissions and lower costs. No wonder the EPA is promoting it.
Upcoming Event: October 26: FDA's Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Event (EESI's CFC# is 10627)
EESI, a participating member of the Combined Federal Campaign workplace giving program, will have a table at the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the FDA's CFC Charity Fair this year next Wednesday, October 26. If you work at FDA, please stop by our table from 12:00 to to 1:00 PM to find out more about EESI's work to curb climate change! And remember, all federal employees and members of the military can designate EESI in the Combined Federal Campaign with CFC #10627.
Writer: Ned Stowe
Advancing science-based climate solutions
Top-Rated Climate Nonprofit – 4-Star Charity