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Celebrating National Ag Day
Last Tuesday was National Ag Day! Agriculture is a part of every aspect of American life. From the food on our kitchen tables to the clothes we wear and the values we hold, this industry is ingrained in the very fabric of our nation.
Agriculture is the number one industry in Georgia, contributing over $80 billion to our economy each year. America's farmers and ranchers dedicate their livelihoods to ensuring that our nation is fed, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their hard work.
I joined Western Caucus Chairman Rep. Dan Newhouse in penning an op-ed in Agri-Pulse to celebrate National Ag Day. I also cosponsored a resolution to commemorate March 19th as "National Agriculture Day" and recognize the importance of agriculture as one of the most impactful industries in the United States.
Read more here.
Opposing the EPA's New Tailpipe Emissions Rule
President Biden's attack on American energy just hit a new low. Last week, Biden's EPA issued a tailpipe emissions rule, which is so strict it equates to an electric vehicle (EV) mandate and a ban on the gas-powered cars that our country relies on.
This rule will require 67% of new light-duty and 46% of new medium-duty vehicle sales in the U.S. to be EVs by 2032. In 2023, only 7.6% of new vehicles sold were EVs. Our country is far from equipped for a gas vehicle ban, especially in rural America.
This EV mandate violates every American's choice to drive the vehicle best suited to their needs. It also is a gift to Communist China, which currently produces 75% of the world's lithium batteries. Many components of EV batteries like lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel are mostly mined and processed overseas and imported into the U.S. The administration has opposed the domestic mining of these critical minerals in the past, which has increased our dependence on China.
This tailpipe emissions rule puts our country at the tail end of Communist China. I adamantly oppose this ruling, and I am working with my colleagues to combat it and preserve our energy independence and vehicle choice.
Read more here.
Congratulating Young Farmers
Congratulations to Christopher Martin, Michael, and Kassidy Carter for being finalists for the National Outstanding Young Farmer Award! I met with them in D.C. last week to celebrate their accomplishments.
Christopher owns and operates Martin Farms in Pulaski County. A leading producer and vocal farming advocate in his community, Christopher grows cotton, wheat, corn, rye, and peanuts.
Michael and Kassidy own Bay Carter Farms, a large operation spanning 3,600 acres in Coffee County. They grow cotton and peanuts, which they proudly sell worldwide.
Since 1955, the National Outstanding Young Farmer Award has recognized the incredible work of some of our nation's best young farmers. To be considered, farmers must commit to innovation, conservation, and contributing to their local community. Congratulations to these outstanding young farmers!
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