Three prominent governors and more than 70 organizations have endorsed an initiative – known as “25 by ’25” – to have America’s agriculture lands provide 25% of the nation’s energy by 2025. Governors Brian Schweitzer (D-Mont.), Ed Rendell (D-Pa.), and Mitch Daniels (R-Ind.) announced their support for the initiative, with Daniels and Rendell making their announcements in person at the second annual National Agriculture and Forestry Renewable Energy Summit.
The vision of the 25 x ’25 initiative is: “By 2025, America’s working lands will provide 25% of the total energy consumed in the United States while continuing to produce abundant, safe and affordable food, feed, fiber and fuel.” While this effort will focus on biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, wind and solar energy are also parts of the initiative’s agenda.
The 270 attendees of the summit also heard from a number of political and energy leaders, including former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich; former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle; Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns; former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Jim Woolsey; Glenn English, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association; and Robert Bergstrom, Jr., executive director of FPL Energy.
Public polling research sponsored by the 25×25 work group was highlighted at the summit. The survey polled 1,000 registered voters and found nearly unanimous support for a national goal of having 25% of America’s domestic energy needs met by renewable resources by 2025. Ninety-eight percent of voters see this goal as important, with 74% of them saying the goal is “very important.” Voters also overwhelmingly see this goal as achievable.
The survey also asked voters why a renewable energy goal is important. Respondents felt the convincing arguments include reducing U.S. reliance on foreign oil, protecting the environment for future generations, allowing renewable energy technologies that are ready to contribute energy today, and providing new jobs, especially in rural communities.
At the end of the day’s presentations, 25x’25 steering committee member Allen Rider outlined an implementation plan that includes broadening outreach to the public, securing support from 50% of U.S. congressional leaders, bringing 20 states on board by the end of this year, and creating a full implementation plan to bring the vision to reality.
“I’ve never crossed anything that can have a greater impact on agriculture and forestry in this country than renewable energy,” Rider said. “Our challenge is to make it happen”
More information on the 25x’25 Initiative can be found at the following website.
Loading...