On Saturday, May 15, Steve Taylor, Director of the Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts at Auburn University testified before the U.S. House Representatives Committee on Agriculture as part of a series of field hearings being held across the country concerning the 2012 Farm Bill. Committee members present included Chairman Colin Peterson, MN (D); Bob Goodlatte, VA (R); Adrian Smith, NE (R); Glen Thompson, PA (R); as well as Alabama Congressmen Bobby Bright (D) and Mike Rogers (R).
Dr. Taylor’s testimony regarding developing a bioeneconomy in the U.S. centered around three key messages:
1) There are significant opportunities for developing a thriving bioeconomy in the Southern United States.
2) There are critical policy needs related to bioenergy that should be addressed in the 2012 Farm Bill.
3) The creation of a successful biorefining industry will only be possible through meaningful and sustained funding of the research and development conducted through land grant university programs.
Dr. Taylor was one of nine witnesses from across Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas. He concluded his remarks with the following observation, “As farmers, forest landowners, scientists, or policy makers, we are all focused on leaving a legacy for our children and grandchildren. At Auburn University, we hope that part of our legacy for America will be a secure, sustainable energy supply; a healthy population; and a culture of caring for our environment.”
A copy of Dr. Taylor’s testimony is available on our website. If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Dr. Steve Taylor by phone at: (334) 844-3534 or by email at: taylost@auburn.edu.
