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Renewable energy in the next administration

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The co-chairman of the group 25 x ’25 says he hopes the incoming administration recognizes the important role the renewable energy sector has in rural America.

“They obviously had a groundswell of support from our nation’s rural areas so we need to be looking at ways to improve the economic issues in those rural areas and renewables is a great way to do that.”

Nebraska farmer Bart Ruth tells Brownfield about 12 percent of the nation’s energy supply today comes from renewable energy sources, but with lower oil prices consumers’ emphasis on the need for renewable energy is declining.  “It makes sense not only financially, economically for rural America, but it’s also a security issue too.”

He says farmers are adapting with climate change to farm more sustainably and also believes the Trump administration will focus more on the economic aspects of sustainability.  “The key to that is adapting in a positive way that adds dollars to your bottom line and makes you more sustainable in the same process and builds resiliency in the system.”

Ruth says the biofuels industry has benefited the Midwest greater than other renewable energy, contributing $44 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product, and wind, solar and biogas continue to increase in development.

Ruth spoke with Brownfield Ag News at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention in Kansas City.

AUDIO: Interview with Bart Ruth

 

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