On a regular basis,
BEEF Magazine hosts polls and surveys on our website to better serve and understand our readers. These days, it's no secret that the Waxman-Markey bill has developed into an intense debate in the agriculture community. The Waxman-Markey bill is better known as the American Clean Energy And Security Act of 2009. As Congress plows through the nearly 1,000 pages to try to work out how all the overlapping policies, regulators, giveaways, exemptions, and mandates will actually affect U.S. greenhouse-gas emissions over the next four decades, this bill has many concerned about the unintended implications it will have on United States agriculture.
As it moves through Congress, I think it's increasingly important for farmers and ranchers to let their voices be heard. Across the country, there have been numerous town hall meetings and debates, and agriculture needs to be present at these events. Let your government leaders know and understand your questions and concerns about this bill.
In the meantime, let's figure out where the average BEEF reader stands on this climate change bill. Stop by the homepage to answer this question: Will the Waxman-Markey bill, which proposes to cap carbon-dioxide emissions and allow trading of allowances (cap and trade), be good or bad for agriculture? So far, 90% of you have agreed that this bill could result in problems for American agriculture. Now, it's time to hear from the rest of you. Weigh in with your vote, and be sure to leave your thoughts in the comment section.
BEEF Daily Quick Fact: The goal of the Waxman-Markey bill is (summary statement), "to create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy."
