Articles by Sara Wyant

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2012 -The Department of the Interior last week released guidelines the agency says will help wind energy project developers avoid or minimize impacts of land-based wind projects on wildlife and their habitats.

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2012 -Biofuels advocates are finding themselves divided by the nature in which their respective products are manufactured. Those who promote algae-based biofuels

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2012 -Environmental groups last week filed separate federal lawsuits, charging that the EPA has refused to address the causes of the summertime “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico, a situation, the groups say, is ‘a critical pollution problem [EPA] has acknowledged for decades.

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2012 -The U.S. agricultural trade surplus forecast for fiscal year 2012 is 43% lower than last year’s positive trade balance due to weather-related issues and competition in other parts of the world, said Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Acting Under Secretary Michael Sc

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2012 -While riding a wave of conspicuous strength in the cultural marketplace, alternative agriculture still has a long way to go capture the hearts and minds of rank-and-file food consumers

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2012 -Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen and other RFA officials told reporters and stakeholders Monday that E15 (15%) ethanol blend gasoline is within weeks of commercial distribution.

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2012 -A 10-year, $31-billion cut to direct payments and crop insurance proposed by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan on Tuesday is too much, according to the two largest U.S. farm organizations.

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2012 -Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum cruised into Osage Beach, MO (pop. 4,700) last week, hoping to rally rural voters who could perhaps provide the delegates he needs to win in an uphill battle for the GOP presidential nomination.

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2012 -New Senate Democratic legislation repealing tax benefits for the oil and gas industry while extending several renewable energy tax credits is on the Senate calendar with a vow by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2012 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released a report USDA officials said highlights “the ways in which USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) contributes to U.S. energy independence and helps rural small businesses and farmers become more energy efficient.”