Peterson Named to Energy Bill Conference Committee

(WASHINGTON, DC) - Congressman Collin C. Peterson (D-7th District) was chosen today to be a member of the conference committee that will work out details of the Energy Bill.

Peterson, who serves as Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, was named, along with Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), and Agriculture subcommittee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) to address agriculture issues as they relate to the energy bill.

“This is an important debate for our nation’s farmers,” Peterson said. “Energy costs are a critical concern for farm operations these days, especially as they affect the cost of fuel and fertilizer.”

Renewable fuels will also be on the agenda for discussion in the conference committee. “In the wake of rising energy costs nationwide, I look forward to continuing the discussion on expanding incentives and tax credits for those involved in ethanol, biodiesel and wind production, and that address new technologies using agricultural by-products that lower our dependence on fossil fuels.”

-30-