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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

I don't want to even imagine the kind of mess that would create.

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

Thank you, Chairman Peterson, for calling today's hearing.

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.

We appreciate the opportunity to examine your draft legislation that addresses concerns with the derivatives industry and its impact on the U.S. economy.

My main concern is how the legislation will impact risk management for agricultural producers.

When I came home from college a number of years ago to western Oklahoma and became reinvolved in my community and continued my farming business, I looked around and felt at that time that we could expect more of our State government. And…