Townhall with Senator Hill December 19 in Marietta

Mountain View Community Center
December 19, 2009
9 am - 10 am

Townhall to Discuss 2010 Legislative Session Ga Capitol

Please join Senator Hill and Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers for a townhall meeting to discuss the upcoming 2010 Session of the Georgia General Assembly. The event will take place this Saturday, December 19th from 9am to 10am at the Mountain View Community Center. This event is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and concerns with Senator Hill as he prepares for the upcoming legislative year. Senator Hill encourages you to bring your comments and questions as he appreciates the opportunity to hear from all of you.

The Mountain View Community Center is located at 3400 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, GA 30066.

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Sen. Chambliss Requests Data on the Impact of Cap and Trade on Agriculture Economy

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today announced he sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson this week regarding the impacts the climate change bill will have on the agriculture economy. In the letter, Sen. Chambliss requested the EPA provide the Senate Agriculture Committee with all comprehensive data pertaining to the impact the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, (H.R. 2454), will have on the forest and agriculture sector. The House of Representatives narrowly passed the measure last month 219-212.

Additionally, Sen. Chambliss sent a similar letter to Dr. Joseph Glauber, U.S. Department of Agriculture Chief Economist, requesting the Department provide the Committee with an economic analysis of the legislation. Sen. Chambliss said as the debate on the bill moves to the Senate, it is important members understand the costs producers, consumers and others will bear as a result of H.R. 2454.

Copies of the letters are below:

The Honorable Lisa P. Jackson
Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20460

Dear Administrator Jackson:

Last month the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. Among its provisions, the bill creates a “cap and trade” regime to control greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by increasing the cost of fossil fuels and incentivizing alternative forms of energy. At the same time, the bill defines the parameters of an offset regime for the agricultural sector. As the debate on climate change legislation moves to the Senate, we require a thorough understanding regarding the impacts of H.R. 2454 on the agricultural economy.

As you know, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has done significant analysis and contracted with Professor Bruce McCarl at Texas A&M University to study the impact on the forest and agriculture sector. While the research completed until now has been useful, Dr. McCarl’s model is not publically available. In order to ensure transparency and a thorough understanding of the impacts of H.R. 2454 on the forest and agriculture sector, I respectfully request EPA provide the FASOM-GHG model along with all data and supporting information including assumptions and results to the Committee. The insight and information derived from a detailed reading of the model will allow the Committee to draft legislation that fully takes into account the costs and benefits available to the forest and agriculture sector.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.

Very truly yours,

Saxby Chambliss
Ranking Republican Member

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Dr. Joseph Glauber
Chief Economist
United States Department of Agriculture
Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 112-A
Washington, D.C. 20250-3800

Dear Dr. Glauber:

Last month the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. Among its provisions, the bill creates a “cap and trade” regime to control greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by increasing the cost of fossil fuels and incentivizing alternative forms of energy. At the same time, the bill defines the parameters of an offset regime for the agricultural sector. As the debate on climate change legislation moves to the Senate, we require a thorough understanding regarding the impacts of H.R. 2454 on the agricultural economy.

It is important the Committee and Members of the Senate understand the costs that agricultural producers, consumers, and others will ultimately bear as a result of this legislation. Therefore, I respectfully request your office provide the Committee an economic analysis of H.R. 2454 with specific attention to the questions noted below.

Since agriculture and food production is an energy intensive industry, inputs such as transportation fuel, fertilizer, seed, processing and packaging of food products will have substantial impacts on the bottom line of farms and downstream operators. We need to understand the additive effect of increased energy costs at each stage of the food chain and the distribution of costs from “field to fork.” Since agricultural production is diverse across the United States, the study should provide a regional summary as well as a cost of production analysis by major crop (i.e. cotton, rice, corn, soybean, wheat and specialty crops). The livestock sector will face challenges as well. The study should also provide a discussion regarding the changes in the costs of production and retail prices for the cattle, swine and poultry sectors.

There is little doubt H.R. 2454 will impact the cost of food for U.S. consumers. Your analysis should calculate the change in the price of commodities and ultimately food expenditures by consumers if H.R. 2454 were enacted into law. The study should provide the annual increase in food costs as reflected in 2009 dollars by calculating increases in the consumer price index for food (CPI-Food) over the life of the bill (through 2050) and aggregate at the retail market basket level. If possible, the analysis should compare the change in average cost per American household for a fixed market basket of goods as a result of the legislation.

There is significant attention to the potential of agricultural lands to contribute to a future offset market and carbon sequestration. This is a promising opportunity for our farmers and ranchers and the study should quantify the potential for pasture, crop and private forest land to participate in an offset market. Specifically, the study should discuss the impact on cropping patterns, overall acreage, traditional crop rotations and conservation practices associated with an offset market. Since the price of carbon will drive new production decisions, the study should analyze the impacts and acreage shifts at different carbon prices (i.e. high, medium, low).

A potentially important piece of H.R. 2454 is the renewable electricity standard (RES) included in Title I. Both EPA and the Energy Information Administration (EIA) project biomass and wind to be an important new energy sources in this policy. Yet, U.S. land resources are finite. To the extent practicable, this piece should analyze the potential role of U.S. agricultural producers and foresters to satisfy the demands of the RES and the potential land-use changes associated with this standard and other new alternative energy policies including the renewable fuel standard.

Finally, often times, real life events rarely follow the assumptions and predictions utilized in various economic models. It would be useful for your analysis to include scenarios where various efficiency, alternative energy (i.e. nuclear) and emissions targets (among others set forth in the bill) are not met per H.R. 2454. An outstanding concern among the agricultural community is the international competitiveness of U.S. products in the world market if India and China do not participate in a carbon reduction program. The Committee would find it helpful if your analysis addressed this issue as well.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.

Very truly yours,

Saxby Chambliss
Ranking Republican Member

Students Named to U.S. Senate Youth Program

U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson have announced that two Georgia students will be among 104 delegates to the United States Senate Youth Program March 1-March 8 in Washington D.C. The students will also each receive a $5,000 scholarship.

The winners were Logan Krusac of Campbell High School in Cobb County and Alan Binder of Greater Atlanta Christian School in Gwinnett County. Chosen as alternates were Cameron Day of Trion (City) High School and Joshua Buttenhoff, of Northwest Whitfield High School in Whitfield County.

Students are nominated by their teachers and principals and are interviewed by staff members from the Georgia Department of Education. The winning delegates are submitted by State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox.

"Congratulations to Logan and Alan for being chosen to represent the great state of Georgia at the United States Senate Youth Program. This will be an experience that will change their lives," Superintendent Cox said. "I also want to congratulate our alternates and all those who were nominated by their teachers and principals."

Release from the Senate:

Georgia Students Selected for United States Senate Youth Program
-- Students Headed to Washington and to Receive $5000 Scholarship--

Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson today announced the names of the two Georgia students who have been selected as delegates to the 46th Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) that will be held March 1 – 8, 2008 in Washington, D.C. Alan Blinder of Norcross and Logan Krusac of Acworth were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be part of the group of 104 student delegates who will attend the program’s 46th Annual Washington Week.

The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation since inception. Originally proposed by Senators Kuchel, Mansfield, Dirksen and Humphrey, the impetus for the program as stated in Senate testimony was “to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world.”

Each year this extremely competitive merit-based program brings 104 of the most outstanding high school students -- two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity -- to Washington, D.C. for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service. In addition to the program week, the foundation grants each of the 104 student delegates a $5,000 college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs. Transportation and all expenses for Washington Week are provided by the foundation, as stipulated in S.Res.324; no government funds are utilized.

Alan Blinder is Class President at the Greater Atlanta Christian School. His leadership activities include: Treasurer of the National Honor Society, Managing Editor of the Literary Magazine and National Chairman and Executive Director of Teens for Bush. Alan also is active with the Beta Club, Envirothon, Forensics Team, Civic Leadership Development Program, and the International Studies Program. He plans to pursue an interdisciplinary degree in neuroscience.

Logan Krusac is Student Council President at Campbell High School. Logan also serves as Governor of Georgia Boys State and lead prosecutor of Mock Trial. He is active in Model United Nations, Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Summit, CNN Leadership Unplugged, Economics for Leaders, and National Student Leadership Conference. He plans to pursue a degree in political science.

Chosen as alternates to the 2008 program were Cameron Day, a resident of Summerville, who attends Trion High School and Joshua Buttenhoff, a resident of Tunnel Hill, who attends Northwest Whitfield High School

The chief educational officer in each state selects the delegates after nomination by teachers and principals. This year’s delegates were designated by Ms. Kathy Cox,
State Superintendent of Schools.

While in Washington the student delegates will attend meetings and briefings with Senate leadership, other Senators and Congressional staff; the President, a Justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, an Ambassador to the United States and top members of the national media. The students will also tour many of the national monuments and several museums and they will stay at the historic Mayflower hotel in downtown Washington, D.C.

In addition to outstanding leadership abilities and a strong commitment to public service, this year’s students rank academically in the top one percent of their states. They continue to excel and develop impressive qualities that are often directed toward public service. Among the many distinguished former program delegates are Senator Susan Collins of Maine, the first program delegate elected to the Senate; Judge Robert Henry, U.S. Court of Appeals; former Ambassador to West Germany Richard Burt; former Presidential Advisor Karl Rove and former Presidential Advisor Thomas "Mack" McLarty. Additional distinguished alumni are former Lt. Governor of Idaho David LeRoy, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Christopher Christie, military officers, Foreign Service Officers, members of State Legislatures, top Congressional staff, healthcare providers and university educators.

Members of the USSYP 2008 46th Annual Senate Advisory Committee are: Co-Chairs — Senator Dianne Feinstein of California and Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas. Advisory Committee — Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. of Pennsylvania, Senator Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii, Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina, Senator Michael B. Enzi of Wyoming, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas. Each year, the Honorary Co-Chairs of the program are the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders and the Vice President of the United States.

Isakson, Chambliss Announce Over $600,000 in Funding for Georgia’s First Responders

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) today announced $609,226.88 in Fiscal Year 2007 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) awards for Georgia.

The funding is provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency at the Department of Homeland Security.

“This funding will go a long way to help ensure that Georgia’s first responders have the resources necessary to protect families and communities across the state,” said Isakson.

“Local firefighters and emergency workers provide our first defense to natural disasters, accidents and terrorist attacks,” Chambliss said. “It is because these brave men and women are often the first on the scene of any incident that we must continue to ensure they have the tools and training they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently. I look forward to continuing to work with local fire departments and emergency responders across the state to ensure they have the resources they need.”

CEDAP provides smaller communities and rural areas with technology and equipment, together with training and technical assistance, to help enhance first responder capabilities throughout the nation. CEDAP provides resources such as communications interoperability equipment, information sharing technology, chemical detection devices, sensors, personal protective equipment and rescue tools and training in how to use the equipment, devices and technology.

The Georgia grants are listed below:

Alto Police Department – Alto, Ga. - $11,794 for Law Enforcement
Athens-Clarke County Police Department – Athens, Ga. - $11,500 for Law Enforcement
Bartow County Emergency Management Agency – Cartersville, Ga. - $30,935.80 for Emergency Management
Berlin Police Department – Berlin, Ga. - $38,764.62 for Law Enforcement
Calhoun Police Department – Calhoun, Ga. - $8,499 for Law Enforcement
Canton Police Department – Canton, Ga. - $26,900 for Law Enforcement
Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services – Canton, Ga. - $15,300 for Fire Department
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office – Canton, Ga. - $11,794 for Law Enforcement
City of Climax Police Department – Climax, Ga. - $38,764.62 for Law Enforcement
City of Hinesville Police Department – Hinesville, Ga. - $11,794 for Law Enforcement
Colquitt Police Department – Colquitt, Ga. - $11,500 for Law Enforcement
Cordele Police Department – Cordele, Ga. - $11,500 for Law Enforcement
Douglas County Emergency Management Agency – Douglasville, Ga. - $24,175 for Emergency Management
Dublin Police Department – Dublin, Ga. - $8,499 for Law Enforcement
Early County Sheriff’s Office – Blakely, Ga. - $24, 175 for Law Enforcement
Euharlee Police Department – Euharlee, Ga. - $11,794 for Law Enforcement
Georgia Ports Authority – Savannah, Ga. - $8,499 for Law Enforcement
Georgia Tech Police Department – Atlanta, Ga. - $32,274.90 for Law Enforcement
Henry County Police Department – McDonough, Ga. - $24,175 for Law Enforcement
Hickory Flat Fire Department, Inc. – Canton, Ga. - $12,936.15 for Fire Department
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office – Louisville, Ga. - $3,717 for Law Enforcement
Kingsland Police Department – Kingsland, Ga. - $11,500 for Law Enforcement
LaGrange Police Department – LaGrange, Ga. - $11,794 for Law Enforcement
Laurens County Fire Department – Dublin, Ga. - $30,935.80 for Fire Department
Laurens County Sheriff’s Office – Dublin, Ga. - $8,499 for Law Enforcement
Leesburg Police Department – Leesburg, Ga. - $11,794 for Law Enforcement
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Lincolnton, Ga. - $12,936.15 for Law Enforcement
Morgan County Sheriff’s Office – Madison, Ga. - $11,500 for Law Enforcement
Norcross Police Department – Norcross, Ga. - $12,000 for Law Enforcement
Perry Police Department – Perry, Ga. - $11,794 for Law Enforcement
St. Marys Fire Department – St. Marys, Ga. - $12,919.94 for Fire Department
St. Marys Police Department – St. Marys, Ga. - $11,794 for Law Enforcement
Summerville Fire Department – Summerville, Ga. - $32,274.90 for Fire Department
Taylor County Sheriff’s Office – Butler, Ga. - $11,500 for Law Enforcement
Union County Emergency Management Agency - Blairsville, Ga. - $11,794 for Emergency Management
Woodstock Police Department – Woodstock, Ga. - $26,900 for Law Enforcement