Trade groups critique Obama’s speech

Washington-Several industry and ag-related trade groups issued responses to President Obama’s Jan. 25 State of the Union speech. The American Chemical Council (ACC) welcomed what it referred to as “the strong commitment to job creation and economic recovery” in Obama’s address, but also pressed for the “right balance” with regard to federal regulations. “American chemistry is behind many of the innovations and new technologies that will help create jobs, drive economic growth, and achieve the goals articulated by the president: more clean energy sources; improved infrastructure; more efficient transportation options; medical advancements that help to bring down the cost of health care; and even a strong defense,” said ACC President and CEO Cal Dooley on Jan. 26. “While we were encouraged that the president again called for a review of the federal rules imposed on businesses, we urge the president and Congress to look beyond individual regulations, and to reform the process itself to ensure there is sound economic impact analysis and consistent standards for scientific quality, reliability and relevance. Only by improving the process, can we ensure rational, balanced regulatory outcomes.” The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) also weighed in on the speech, praising Obama for stressing the importance of biofuels in reducing dependence on foreign oil, the importance of pending trade agreements, and the role U.S. farmers play in feeding the world. “We were encouraged that President Obama spoke about the needs of rural America and the importance of our country’s global leadership when it comes to agriculture,” said NCGA Chairman Darrin Ihnen. Specifically, Ihnen cited Obama’s mention of three free trade agreements important to the organization: South Korea, Panama, and Colombia. “We need quick action on these three agreements, which have been languishing in Washington for years,” Ihnen said. “These agreements will help our country’s economy by increasing exports and creating sorely-needed jobs.” Ihnen also noted that the success of biofuels “hinges on the success of ethanol from corn ?Çô on the growth of an ethanol industry that is leading the way, sustainably increasing in economic, environmental and energy efficiency.”