Increasing ethanol mandate bad for cattle raisers
Jul 23, 2009 10:27 AM
The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) opposing an increase of ethanol levels in gasoline from 10 percent to 15 percent.
"Corn ethanol production is important to cattle producers because it directly impacts the cost of feed," TSCRA President Dave Scott, a rancher from Richmond, Texas said. "Before any decisions are made, I hope the government will take a serious look at how this new mandate will affect every industry that depends on corn. Not doing so could severely damage the ability for hard-working ranchers to produce safe, healthy and affordable food.
"Over the past few years it has become very clear that putting our food and fuel in competition with one another isn't good for producers or consumers," he continued. "While cattle producers strongly support alternative and renewable energy options, we don't support government mandates that favor one industry over another."
TSCRA's comments were submitted in response to the Federal Register notice of April 21, 2009, Volume 74, Number 75 Pages 18228-18230 (Docket no. EPA-HQ-OAR-2009-0211).
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 132-year-old trade organization and is the largest livestock association in Texas. TSCRA has more than 15,000 members who manage approximately 4 million head of cattle on 51.5 million acres of range and pasture land, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma. TSCRA provides law enforcement services, livestock inspection, legislative and regulatory advocacy and educational opportunities for its members and the industry.
(New Course)
