Washington, D.C. -  Yesterday evening, Agriculture Committee Chairman Colin Peterson (D-MN) announced that Congressman Joe Donnelly was appointed to fill a vacancy on the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research. 

“My appointment to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research will allow me to help Indiana solidify its position as a leader in the ethanol, biodiesel and alternative energy movement,” Donnelly said. “Energy is a national security issue. Congress should pursue policies that put money into the pockets of Hoosier farmers and not Middle Eastern dictators. I’ve met with my Agriculture Advisory Board and many farmers from my district, as well as business leaders and scholars with an interest in bio-based fuels. With their thoughts and concerns in mind, I am ready to get to work on policies that will aid in the development of alternative fuels and lessen our dependence on foreign oil.”

Congressman Donnelly’s appointment was approved unanimously by the Democratic members of the committee.

“The Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research will play a key role in the development of this year’s Farm Bill,” said Chairman Peterson.  “Congressman Donnelly will do an excellent job in helping the subcommittee fill that role and he will be a strong voice for farmers…in his state.”

The Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research has jurisdiction over many issues relating to agriculture, including soil, water, and resource conservation; small watershed programs; energy and bio-based energy production; rural electrification; agricultural credit; and agricultural research, education and extension services.  Congressman Tim Holden of Pennsylvania is chairman of the subcommittee.