NCGA Continues Strong Message of Support for Natural Gas Legislation (6-27-06)

In anticipation of the vote on H.R. 4761, the Deep Ocean Energy Resources (DOER) Act, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) sent Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) and House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) today a letter supporting and encouraging swift action on the legislation, which will promote the development of domestic energy resources and secure future economic growth.

The DOER Act, legislation which will increase exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), is expected on the House floor for a vote on Thursday. The DOER Act represents a bipartisan compromise that provides states with unprecedented decision-making authority over their coastal resources. States that want to produce offshore energy for the nation will gain the ability to do so, and states that want to continue offshore production moratoria will have the ability to do so.

“Increased domestic supply of natural gas is critical for agriculture,” said NCGA Corn Board member Garry Niemeyer. “The DOER Act is a necessary to bring much-needed relief to this nation’s farmers, manufacturers and consumers. Corn growers are sending the message to House members that a vote for H.R. 4761 on Thursday is a vote for agriculture.”

According to NCGA, increased energy prices have already had an adverse effect on farmers because of higher production costs and will continue to do so in the future.

“Corn growers rely on affordable energy resources as feedstock for fertilizer, but also energy for irrigation, powering farm equipment, drying grain and producing ethanol,” the letter states.

NCGA also notes the nation’s economic and energy security will be seriously impacted should Congress not take action to expand domestic energy sources to feed this country’s growing demand.

NCGA last week issued a legislative call alert urging corn growers to call their representatives and support the bill. The NCGA alert information is available at www.ncga.com.

To view the letter in its entirety, please click on link.