Efforts to improve Bay water quality, however, should not impede on the livelihood of our family farmers.

In times of global economic instability, it is important that the United States continue to move toward a secure energy future that will have long-lasting economic benefits.

It is important that the United States continues to move toward a secure energy future that will have long-lasting economic benefits.

This must include safe and responsible domestic oil and natural gas production as part of a broad energy portfolio.

If it ends up being around $1 billion in reductions in conservation, do you think that will affect the Bay program?

It is vital that we protect our natural resources while also supporting our agricultural economy.

I am concerned that recent reductions in conservation program funding is resulting in USDA having to deny producers the tools they need to combat these burdens effectively due to insufficient funding.

opening statement

Bottom line, access to funds is vital and so is the delivery of these funds.

Have you been able to do what we asked you to do despite the cuts in 2011?

This bill expanded many of the renewable energy programs originally authorized in the 2002 bill and introduced many new provisions intended to ensure that agriculture played an important role in moving this country towards energy…