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Former Republican ag secretary endorses Harris

Policy Quick Hits: E15 may be coming to California and USDA pushes for better wildlife connectivity.

Joshua Baethge, Policy editor

October 29, 2024

3 Min Read
Ann Veneman smiling
Ann Veneman, who served as secretary of agriculture from 2001 to 2005, says Kamala Harris is the best choice for rural voters.Getty Images/AFP/Stringer

There’s never a shortage of agriculture news. Here are a few policy stories you may have missed recently.

Former Bush ag secretary endorses Harris

Ann Veneman, Secretary of Agriculture during George W. Bush’s first term, is endorsing Kamala Harris for president. She says Donald Trump’s tariff proposals are “dangerous for rural America.” According to her, they would raise prices on essential goods, hurt farmers by undermining key trade relationships and increase costs for consumers.

“As our nation stands at a critical juncture, the upcoming presidential election presents a stark contrast in leadership and values, particularly for rural communities and agriculture,” Veneman says. “Having dedicated much of my career to advancing policies that improve the lives of Americans, I feel compelled to speak out about what is at stake and why we need new leadership that brings our country together, strengthens rural communities, and moves us forward.”

Veneman was the nation’s first female agriculture secretary, serving from 2001- 2005. Fox News first reported her endorsement after she penned an essay for a group called Reagan, Bush, McCain & Romney Alumni for Harris. That group includes other Harris supporters who previously worked with those Republican presidents and candidates.

Related:Will election results deliver a farm bill this year?

Could E15 be headed to California?

California Gov. Gavin Newsome is calling on the states Air Resources Board to consider allowing E15 sales. In an Oct. 25 memo, Newsom says making the biofuel available could result in a $0,20 per gallon price decrease, saving California drivers up to $2.7 billion annually. He also says an internal analysis commissioned by the state suggests the change would not lead to additional environmental harm.

E15 sales are currently allowed in every other state. Officials with Growth Energy, a biofuels trade association, welcomed the news that sales could finally be expanding to the Golden State.

“We thank Gov. Newsom for voicing his support to approve E15, which can lower fuel costs for California families while helping to decarbonize the state’s light-duty vehicles,” Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says. “We stand ready to assist the governor’s office and state to complete the approval process and permit the sale of this more affordable and environmentally beneficial fuel option, which Americans have already relied on to travel 120 billion miles.”

USDA looks to boost wildlife connectivity

USDA announced a now push to improve wildlife connectivity. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says wildlife often relies on vast swaths of connective habitat that can be broken by development or disrupted by other factors like disease. He directed multiple USDA programs to work together with local authorities and develop plans encouraging voluntary, locally-led conservation efforts that still respect property rights. Those efforts include making wildlife habitat a high priority in conservation programs.

Related:Farmers: Here’s what to watch on Election Day

Robert Bonnie, USDA under secretary for farm production and conservation, says the agency has had tremendous success working with those who voluntarily conserve wildlife habitat and integrate wildlife-friendly measures into their agricultural lands. By building on the department’s existing efforts and leveraging he partners, he hopes these latest steps will have meaningful impacts for wildlife, agriculture and communities.”

“Most wildlife in America, from sage grouse to bobwhite and elk to waterfowl, depend on vast swaths of connected habitat, much of which is provided thanks to the stewardship of U.S. farmers, ranchers and forest owners,” Bonnie says. “At USDA, we’re partnering with farmers, ranchers and forest owners to help conserve a connected mosaic of wildlife habitat across America’s public and private lands through incentives that reward them for their stewardship activities.”

Related:Sid Miller coy on ag secretary prospects

About the Author

Joshua Baethge

Policy editor, Farm Progress

Joshua Baethge covers a wide range of government issues affecting agriculture. Before joining Farm Progress, he spent 10 years as a news and feature reporter in Texas. During that time, he covered multiple state and local government entities, while also writing about real estate, nightlife, culture and whatever else was the news of the day.

Baethge earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of North Texas. In his free time, he enjoys going to concerts, discovering new restaurants, finding excuses to be outside and traveling as much as possible. He is based in the Dallas area where he lives with his wife and two kids.

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