LANSING (July 22, 2022) – Michigan agricultural organizations today hailed introduction of H.R. 8432, the Beagle Brigade Act of 2022, and urged its speedy approval by Congress.
“The importation of infected animals or contaminated products is the most likely path for a foreign animal disease to enter our country,” said Mary Kelpinski, CEO of the Michigan Pork Producers Association. “U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the first line of defense to protect American pork production and American agriculture from devastating diseases. If African Swine Fever entered this country it would cost the pork industry billions of dollars in lost revenue, so we fully support this measure to get more trained dogs to the border to help detect unauthorized imports.”
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LANSING (June 30, 2022) — Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu issued the following statement on Senate approval of SB814, which would expand the availability of lower-cost biofuels at the pump:
“Today’s vote is a welcome sign of progress on legislation that promises to deliver lasting benefits for Michigan motorists and our rural economy. We applaud the Michigan Senate Agriculture Committee for moving quickly to approve this bill, and we urge lawmakers to work quickly to send it to Governor Whitmer’s desk. In some areas of the country, savings on E15 have risen to nearly a dollar per gallon, and that’s an opportunity we must provide for Michigan families.”
LANSING, MI (June 23, 2022) – Michigan farm and biofuel advocates urged swift action following today’s hearing of the Michigan Senate Agriculture Committee on legislation expanding access to lower-cost fuel blends produced with renewable energy from Michigan farms. Introduced by Sen. Kevin Daley (R-Lum), SB 814 would offer qualifying retailers a tax credit for every gallon sold of higher ethanol blends, including $0.05 per gallon of E15 and $0.085 per gallon of E85.
“Ethanol is one of the most important markets for Michigan-grown corn,” said Jeff Sandborn, a farmer from Portland, Michigan who testified on behalf of the Michigan Corn Growers Association. “Policies that increase the use of E15 and E85 help family farmers like me stay profitable while providing for cheaper, cleaner fuel for Michigan consumers. I appreciate Senator Daley’s support of Michigan’s farmers and I hope that the legislature will move forward with this bill.”
“As we work toward a zero-emission transportation future, we cannot leave clean fuel solutions on the table,” said Jane McCurry, Executive Director of Clean Fuels Michigan. “Increased E15 use creates good-paying blue-collar jobs in our communities. Passage of SB 814 will help add nearly $530 million to Michigan’s GDP and boost household income by $165 million. Clean Fuels Michigan urges the Senate Agriculture members to act quickly to move this bill out of committee.”
“The Michigan Farmers Union is proud to support Senator Daley’s bill to boost Michigan biofuels and expand clean options at the pump,” said Bob Thompson, President of the Michigan Farmers Union. “Expanded access to E15 in Michigan could drive millions in fuel savings, protect our climate, and expand opportunities for family farmers working to create energy security right here at home.”
“The Michigan Agri-Business Association is happy to see the Senate Agriculture Committee take up Senate Bill 814,” said Chuck Lippstreu, President of Michigan Agri-Business Association, “Approval of this legislation can provide relief for Michigan motorists facing skyrocketing costs at the pump and reduce our reliance on foreign oil. We encourage swift passage of SB 814 out of Committee and on to the Senate floor for a full vote.”
Supporters of the bill include the Michigan Corn Growers Association, Michigan Farmers Union, Michigan Agri-Business Association, Clean Fuels Michigan, Michigan Farm Bureau, POET, Growth Energy, and other leaders in clean energy and agriculture. Earlier this month, supporters sent a letter encouraging House and Senate leaders to move forward on the bill in light of surging gasoline costs amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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The Michigan Agri-Business Association and the MABA Educational Trust appreciate all those who joined this year’s Scholarship Golf Outing at The Pohlcat Golf Course and the Mount Pleasant Country Club in Mt. Pleasant, MI, held on June 21! We were joined by more than 175 golfers to support the Educational Trust. Following are our Hole Sponsors and silent auction contributors for this special event.
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