The Senate has been busy these past few days as they have been working on power-sharing, hearings on Biden Administration appointees, and more. While this business is being conducted, agriculture is watching several Presidential proposals with some trepidation. Iowa certainly is watching proposals on the future of water quality, taxes, and biofuels.
Audio: Full Interview with Iowa Senator Joni Ernst
Iowa Junior Senator Joni Ernst sits on both the Senate Ag Committee and Environment and Public Works Committee. She had the chance to question both Ag Secretary Appointee Tom Vilsack and EPA Administrator hopeful Michael Regan. Biofuels and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) were a big part of that discussion. Especially after President Biden committed to an all-electric Federal car fleet.
Water quality regulations were also top of mind as Ernst sought out comments from Regan on a commitment to President Trump?s Navigable Waters Protection Rule that replaced the Obama-Era Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The latter having been met with much opposition from farmers and Ag groups as overreaching.
There is much worry that President Biden?s proposed changes to capital gains taxes and the stepped-up basis could put the transition of family farms in serious jeopardy. Senator Ernst talked about what protections future legislation could give farmers.
Also, there has been talk of President Biden?s wish to repurpose billions of dollars earmarked for Farm aid for other uses. There have been rumors that this would stop aid to farmers. While there has been a lot of speculation, Senator Ernst wants to see what the finalized proposals are and what kind of bipartisan consensus she can be a part of to help protect family farmers.
Senator Ernst says while she didn?t agree with everything she heard from both nominees, she is supportive of Vilsack?s nomination and likes Regan?s commitment to bringing transparency back to EPA.
