Lawmakers say they are ready to tackle important issues they face, including E-15 and power transmission

EPA Secretary nominee Lee Zeldin has been making his rounds before Senate panels in recent days. He has taken questions over E-15 and if year-round sales could be a reality under his charge.

“As far as establishing certainty, hopefully, this is something that Congress is able to resolve. To the extent that you’re relying on the EPA to establish that certainty, I look forward to doing my part.”

Doug Burgum was also in the hot seat recently. The former North Dakota Governor is Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department, and he says he is focused on rural energy but says it is the last mile that is the problem.

“I think that this is one of the challenges of our time, and it’s one of the challenges that we need to undertake, is whether it’s a transmission line, a pipeline, whatever it happens to be trying to get built, it just takes too long in our country. If we don’t have the one thing to be able to generate that electricity, but if we don’t have the ability to transmit it to the places where it’s needed, that’s going to be a problem.”

Burgum also said the U.S. is currently in a precarious situation with energy. He calls it an energy crisis and says there needs to be a balance between demand for renewable energy and meeting actual demand.

Related Stories
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing now to make markets less volatile for ranchers over the long term and more affordable for consumers, according to a press release.
Elizabeth Strom with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) joined us to share the latest on harvest progress and market activity in her area.
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
API said it stands ready to work with Congress to develop a balanced approach to E15 legislation that promotes fuel choice, supports investment certainty, and contributes to a stable and fair marketplace for American consumers.
Lawmakers are pressing for answers on how Washington’s “managed trade” approach — keeping leverage through long-term tariffs — will affect farmers, global markets, and future export opportunities.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Plans are underway for the 27th annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade, a June event celebrating farm heritage, tractor history, and rural traditions. Event manager Matt Kenney joins us to highlight the importance of commemorating farm heritage.
Farm Legal Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joins us to share more about the North Dakota court decision and the its larger impact on agriculture.
Fertilizer markets face uncertainty after President Trump raised the possibility of tariffs on Canadian imports, with analysts warning of supply and pricing risks. Josh Linville with StoneX provides a fertilizer industry outlook.
Frigid winter weather and rapid temperature swings have cattle markets watching closely for livestock stress, as analysts say fluctuations pose the greatest risk.
A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.