Food Groups Oppose Climate-Change Bill

WASHINGTON — A coalition of food-industry associations yesterday sent a letter to House leaders expressing concern over climate-change legislation proposed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The legislation, which proposes a "cap-and-trade" system — described by some reports as an "energy tax" — would have "significant direct and indirect impacts on the nation's supply chain of food and beverage providers, and in turn, profound impacts on the food security of our nation," the trade groups said. "Legislative approaches must be carefully crafted not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also to avoid adverse impacts on food prices and food accessibility."

The coalition suggested that "cap-and-trade will work best if allowances are distributed proportionately to each industry’s emissions."

The coalition includes the American Feed Industry Association, American Meat Institute, National Chicken Council, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Grain and Feed Association, National Meat Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, National Turkey Federation, and North American Millers Association.

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