The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee this week amended and reported out Senate Bill 1317 (Waugh-R-York) that would provide a financial incentive to farmers to plant biomass for biofuel production.

"We are still in the Special Session on Energy Policies and discussing ways in which we can implement a sustainable alternative energy policy for Pennsylvania," Sen. Brubaker (R-Lancaster) Majority Chair of the Committee said. "Sen. Waugh's Farms to Fuels Initiative offers yet another option for our consideration, and I applaud the Senator for his initiative in this matter."

"Planting of such crops is a long term risk that would involve the removal of good cash crops from production," said Sen. Waugh. "Development of bioenergy crops takes between 2-3 years, which can present a difficult decision for farmers that are considering replacing cash crops such as corn or soybeans with bioenergy crops.

"While switch grass is growing in popularity as an alternative to corn for the use in ethanol production, there are many other crops that are just as suitable and beneficial," said Sen. Waugh. "So, it was important to me to expand the reach of my legislation.

"Although I have traditionally not been a proponent of subsidies, I believe these are warranted because cellulosic ethanol provides a very real opportunity for our farmers and the Commonwealth," said Sen. Waugh. "If we intend to make Pennsylvania a leader in the production of fuel from these crops within the next few years, then this measure is critical."

The bill is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster) serves as Majority Chair and Sen. Michael O’Pake (D-Berks) serves as Minority Chair.

5/9/2008