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Policy changes, for better or worse
Dear Nebraskans,
It seems the entire country is buzzing this week over the debate on whether or not to close the detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. Earlier this year, the President announced plans to close these facilities, and he still appears to be set on that goal. I strongly believe we must not sacrifice the safety of a single American by shutting down Guantanamo without a plan for what to do with the detainees.
The United States Senate and nearly all Americans staunchly oppose transferring these detainees to U.S. soil. In 2007, the Senate voted against transferring the detainees, 94-3. I firmly believe that if we were to take a similar vote today, it would yield a similar result. I have asked for a personal briefing from the Administration on any potential plan that would relocate these detainees to within 400 miles of the Nebraska border, and would respond accordingly if such an unfortunate plan were to be discussed.
I would also like to note two important developments involving the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Of great concern to me is the EPA's proposal to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, including methane emitted by livestock, as air pollutants. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, this could cost a medium-sized beef cattle farm with 200 to 300 cows between $17,000 and $27,000 a year. I am co-sponsoring legislation to keep the EPA from implementing this misdirected "cow tax," which would impose a costly burden on Nebraska farmers and ranchers, especially with the rising costs of production.
On a more positive note, the EPA took the first step in raising the ethanol blend cap in gasoline from 10 to 15 percent by opening a public comment period. As long as blend levels remain safe for engines, increasing the percentage of ethanol in gasoline to as much as 15 percent would be beneficial for Nebraska's economy. I have heard concerns from some in the livestock sector about this increase. Rest assured, I do not take those concerns lightly. This is not a mandate to produce more ethanol. Rather, it will help the ethanol industry meet the existing requirements of the Renewable Fuels Standard, which increase every year.
This is only the first step in what will be a very thorough, comprehensive review process. Before any action can be taken, the EPA is required by law to hear your input. I encourage you to email a-and-r-docket@epa.gov to let the EPA know your views on raising the ethanol cap. Identify your comments by including in your email the following: "Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2009-0211," and do not submit any personal information you do not want published. With so much at stake for our state, I believe Nebraskans have valuable opinions to offer. I am confident that with your support, we will soon see a boost for Nebraska's ethanol industry.
Sincerely,