Energy
ARA supports an all of the above approach to energy which includes oil, gas, and continued investment in biofuel to increase domestic natural gas production. ARA opposes internal combustion engine bans and restrictions along with electric vehicle mandates.
Current State
- Continue work with industry coalitions to promote the development and use of all liquid fuels (oil, gas, biofuels, etc.) to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign sources of energy and related technologies.
- Support continued investment in biofuel research and the development of low-carbon emission technologies.
- Oppose any proposed cuts to the Renewable Fuel Standards, which would have a devastating impact on agriculture, rural economies while stifling investment in ethanol plants across the nation.
ARA Position
- Support federal energy policies to increase domestic natural gas production, to reduce U.S. manufacturing costs for crop input materials, and promote the development and use of renewable fuels.
- Oppose internal combustion engine bans/restrictions and electric vehicle mandates.
Each year, ARA membership decides a new set of policy issues the association will focus on with elected officials and key regulatory agencies in Washington, D.C. The established set of policy issues typically drive discussions during the annual ARA Legislative Fly-In. View the list of main policy priorities.
Biofuel Research
ARA as a member of the Transportation Fairness Alliance released a study that analyzes the impacts of increased electric vehicle penetration on U.S. biofuels, agriculture and the economy. Proposals to ban internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 and 2050 served as the economic models for the study, along with a base case provided by the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook.
The study found that overall, U.S. net farm income would decrease by up to $27 billion due to a proposed ban on gas cars.
DC Help Desk
ARA's DC Help Desk member service is a direct line to ag public policy experts. Send regulatory and legislative questions to the DC Help Desk for support. ARA members may also use this service to request help when scheduling a facility tour with their elected official in Congress.