Energy
ARA supports an all-of-the-above approach to energy, including oil, gas, and continued investment in biofuel to increase domestic natural gas production and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign energy.
Internal combustion engine bans and restrictions, electric vehicle mandates, and any cuts to the Renewable Fuel Standards would have a devastating impact on the ag industry and rural economies.
ARA Position
- Support federal policies that increase domestic energy production and supplies to reduce production costs for crop input materials manufactured in the U.S.
- Work with industry coalitions to continue 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 ag, rural economies, and will stifle investment in ethanol plants throughout the nation
- Support year-round E15
- Support policies that protect the purchasing choice of vehicles, including low carbon biofuels that run on the internal combustion engine
- Oppose the removal of hydropower dams in the Pacific Northwest and other rural areas of the country dependent on this vital source of renewable energy and protects the continued use of the inland water transport system
Each year, ARA members decide a new set of public policy issues to steer the association's advocacy efforts with elected officials and regulatory agencies in Washington during the annual ARA Legislative Fly-In and beyond.
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.