I am writing to commend U.S. Rep. Tim Walz for casting an important vote for helping our nation reduce our dependence on foreign oil, create jobs in Minnesota, revitalize our rural economy, and improve our environment by reducing carbon emissions.

Rep. Walz supported the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, which fixed a flawed provision in the 2007 energy law that would cripple our nation’s efforts to produce renewable fuels and break our addiction to foreign oil. This provision would have devastated renewable production in the U.S., and threatened the sovereignty of America’s farmers by requiring Minnesota’s farmers to farm based on what land use changes occur in foreign countries.

I have been advocating for family farmers for over 20 years, and I have never seen a more bizarre concept. Congressman Walz had the courage to cast a vote to change this flawed provision and to stand up for the interests of rural America. Without his efforts the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 would have left rural America behind, and would have threatened our nation’s efforts to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Commendably, Congressman Walz has also shown his commitment to renewable energy by authoring bills that allow average Americans to get involved with wind energy projects.

The interests of rural America are often taken for granted by the self-professed experts in Washington. Rep. Walz should be commended for standing up for the interests of the hard-working people who live, work, and raise their families in rural America and ignoring the so-called experts in Washington.

Tom Buis

CEO

Growth Energy

Washington, D.C.