Corn Growers Continue Drive for Domestic Natural Gas Development (12-6-06)
In the last two days before Congress adjourns, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) continues its final push for development of domestic natural gas through S.3711, the Gulf of Mexico Act. NCGA President Ken McCauley stated that the legislation needs continued support from corn growers to get action on this bill before the current Congressional session ends Thursday.
“This legislation is critical for agriculture,” McCauley said. “We are calling on everyone who is impacted by high natural gas prices and tight market access to urge passage of this legislation. It is a significant step towards long-term sustainability for the U.S. energy markets and increased domestic production.”
S.3711 would open the outer continental shelf for 8.3 million acres of domestic natural gas and oil production. Corn growers believe this legislation will aid in providing more natural gas supplies to the ever increasing demand of energy. The House had been scheduled to vote on the Senate plan Tuesday but instead canceled action. House leaders say they will try to bring the bill up for a vote one last time before Congress adjourns.
McCauley reiterated that NCGA has aggressively encouraged Congress to pass energy policy that would target the high price of natural gas with more domestic supply. NCGA members have met with a wide variety of congressional offices talking about the importance of natural gas development for producers. Earlier this week, NCGA sent a letter to Congress stressing the need for passage of the bill.
Contact your Senators and Representatives now and urge them to vote for expanded natural gas production and lower input costs. To let Congress know you want lower energy prices, call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
KEY ISSUES
