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
Alan Bjerga of the National Milk Producers Federation discusses the Dairy Margin Coverage program, recent improvements, and what producers need to know ahead of this week’s enrollment deadline.
Glyphosate and phosphorus are deemed critical to U.S. national defense, ensuring farmers’ access while signaling a shift toward regenerative agriculture. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight on the Trump Administration’s move and what it could mean for U.S. farmers moving forward.
Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
Expanded global trade access boosts long-term export demand potential for U.S. ag products.
RFD Farm Legal & Tax expert Roger McEowen shares guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, its impact on renewable energy and agriculture, and what producers should know moving forward.
Agriculture avoided major disruptions, but trade uncertainty remains elevated.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

House ag leaders had hoped to get the Farm Bill voted on by Easter, but no dates have been secured just yet.
Kansas State University agricultural economist Dr. Gregg Ibendahl discusses rising diesel prices, the influence of global oil markets, and the potential impact on farmers heading into the spring planting season.
Vive’s Art Graves shared insights on the new Phobos FC 360 foliar fungicide, its advantages for Canadian growers, early performance results, and the company’s ongoing commitment to advanced crop protection solutions.
Kentucky Firefighters Jonathan and Lonny Epley and Extension Agent Leann Martin tell us about a new portable grain bin rescue tool, and its potential to enhance safety for farmers and first responders nationwide.