Politicians, Public Support More Energy from Agricultural Lands

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 […]

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