Farm and Rural Groups Urge Quick Completion of Energy Bill
Rural America Cannot Wait Any Longer

WASHINGTON, July 21, 2005 -- The Alliance for Rural America, a coalition of grassroots organizations representing agricultural and rural energy issues, have urged members of the House-Senate energy bill conference committee to agree on comprehensive legislation that will address the disproportionate impact that rising energy prices have on rural America at a time when prices farmers and ranchers receive for commodity crops are declining.

In a letter to the select members from each chamber who are working out the differences between separate House and Senate energy bills, the ARA expressed its support for several key components it wants the new energy bill to contain, including: extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) for wind generated electricity; incentives to upgrade and expand the electric transmission grid; the updated Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) in the Senate bill, which has the support of 70 senators and numerous representatives; and electricity reliability provisions.

"We urge you and others in Congress to continue your momentum and pass a comprehensive energy bill before you recess later this summer," wrote Larry Mitchell, ARA spokesman. "You must continue to provide the leadership and initiative to move our nation toward an energy system that is more diverse, decentralized, domestic and renewable."

The Alliance for Rural America's nine member organizations represent over 750,000 farmers and farm families. The ARA was formed in 1997 to represent the farm community on energy and environmental issues. ARA’s membership includes American Agriculture Movement, American Corn Growers Association, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, National Association of Farmer Elected Committees, National Farmers Organization, The National Grange, Women Involved in Farm Economics, Soybean Producers of America, and Oklahoma Farmers Union.