Frank Lucas

The most important thing we can do for our agricultural community is to allow the legislative process to work, to take the time to understand the consequences of our actions.

While better transparency and disclosure are needed within the industry, we must make sure that we create responsible legislation that does not impede appropriate legislation and risk management within the marketplace.

Anything that will be able to change the outcome of indirect land use issues, and all of this, matters.

For the sake of our economy, rural America, national security, and energy independence we absolutely need to move quickly to E15.

How can anyone believe that continuing our dependence on foreign oil from Saudi Arabia, Iran, or Venezuela is better for the future of our nation than the production of renewable fuels in America?

To think that we can control other countries farming decisions is naive at best, and will ultimately lead to the downfall of the most successful industry in the history of the United States.

Since the birth of this great nation, agriculture has been the backbone our economy.

The end result of enacting ILUC is that it will cap domestic ethanol production and ensure our addiction to foreign oil.

To regulate an industry based on untested and unproven theory and not science or reality would undermine our nation's efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

How can we possibly hold Americans responsible for farming practices in sovereign, foreign countries?

We must make sure that the EPA only administers policies intended by Congress, not developing its own environmental policy.

While many are focusing on the debate surrounding the Waxman-Markey cap-and-tax legislation, we cannot shift our attention away from other important environmental proposals.

The United States needs to have Federal energy policies that are flexible, practical, and innovative.

I guess one of the concerns I have always had, from my understanding they have something like 1,900 field personnel...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for calling this hearing which is intended to be the first in a series of Agriculture Committee food safety hearings this session.

We are facing a global economic crisis, which has weakened the farm economy.

Thank you Chairman Boswell and Ranking Member Moran for holding this hearing to review the state of the farm economy.

These are difficult and uncertain times for folks all across rural America.

Fortunately, we were able to secure funds within the stimulus package to address some of the needs for rural water systems, rural broadband, and essential community facilities.

These are the challenges rural America faces, and it is why I take very seriously our charge to create programs that will give rural communities the tools and resources they need to expand economic opportunities.

I appreciate the timeliness of this hearing, as USDA works to implement the 2008 Farm Bill, including several new rural development programs.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing today.

We must make sure that we create responsible legislation that calls for an appropriate level of regulation.

No one can argue with the concepts of transparency and accountability.

These hearings will serve as a useful resource for this Committee as we consider the draft legislation you have proposed.