The Administration has come out in strong opposition to H.R. 1633 - stating that the bill, as drafted, would create serious problems for implementing Clean Air Act public health protections and add uncertainty for businesses and states. According to the Statement of Administration Policy, the bill goes far beyond its stated intent of stopping the EPA from tightening national standards for coarse particles.
Groups Request Hearing on RFS
A coalition of the U.S. livestock and poultry industry associations has asked the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to hold a hearing to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard’s impact on the economy.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Pork Producers Council, American Meat Institute and others argue the RFS is the top driver of corn prices. Janet Riley is spokesperson for AMI:
“We are asking the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to consider having a hearing to look at the Renewable Fuel Standards impact on the economy. We think that there is a lot of pressure on domestic feed grain supplies that need to be examined.”
They also believe the impact on consumers should be considered.
And a new wrinkle in the long-running food versus fuel debate -- the groups point to nine-million dollars in fraudulent EPA RFS ID numbers.
Food Safety Research Grants Issued
NC State and Clemson both received grants from USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture when 10.4 million dollars was awarded to universities in 13 states to help address a broad spectrum of food safety issues.
Alabama’s Immigration Law Comes under Fire from Within
Some top Alabama GOP leaders, including the governor, are having second thoughts about the toughest immigration legislation, to date, in the country.
They worry that it's hurting Alabama's ability to recruit more foreign industries after a string of successes. Attorney General Luther Strange is recommending some parts be repealed and others modified. Public opinion started changing after two foreign executives -- one for Honda and the other for Mercedes -- were stopped by police for not carrying required residency documents. The Mercedes executive was jailed for a short time.
Conservation Groups Appeal SC’s Permit to Deepen Shipping Channel
Conservation groups in two states have appealed South Carolina's water quality permit for the $650 million deepening of the Savannah River shipping channel.
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