Opening Remarks by Thomas C. Dorr
Under Secretary for Rural Development

Farm Bill Energy Title Stakeholders Meeting
Washington, DC

Tuesday, December 3, 2002


(As prepared for delivery)
*	Thank you Bob and Good Morning everyone.

*	On behalf of USDA Rural Development and the Bush 
Administration, I would like to welcome everyone here 
this morning particularly those of you who are viewing 
via the Internet.  I would also encourage you to submit 
your comments or testimony electronically.

*	This is an exciting time in rural America.  It is a time 
when our country and our President are turning to our 
farmers, ranchers, and rural businesses for their 
knowledge and resources in order to help America 
become energy independent and more economically 
strong.   



*	Today’s meeting is especially important because we wish 
to ensure that as we implement the renewable energy 
section of the 2002 Farm Bill, we do it in a way that is 
useful to those of you who may best be able to develop 
and implement these opportunities.  

*	Frankly, in my opinion, you are the ones who are on the 
front lines in creating renewable energy opportunities, 
and it is most important that you have a say in how best 
to accomplish this goal and fulfill these opportunities for 
rural America. 

*	I have invited a several outstanding individuals to be here 
this morning to hear your comments, along with our 
Rural Development Administrators and specialists in the 
fields of taxation and energy.  We will introduce each of 
them to you in a few minutes.  
      
*	But first, I am very pleased to have with us this morning 
to kick off today’s hearing a distinguished gentleman who 
I have known and respected for many years.  He serves as 
the Deputy Secretary for the Department of Agriculture, 
Jim Moseley. 

*	Prior to his appointment Jim and his wife Kathy raised 
seven children and farmed for 32 years on a farm located 
near Clark Hill, Indiana.

*	He owned and operated a very successful grain and hog 
farm.

*	Although Jim served as Agricultural Advisor to the 
Administrator of EPA from 1985-1990 and as the 
Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources 
and Environment from 1990-1992.

*	His real forte is leadership.

*	He has provided it in the area of resource management, 
environmental issues of all kinds, agricultural policy and 
now Homeland Security.  




*	Yet, when I’ve watched and gained the most respect for 
the Deputy is in how he expends his time and wisdom 
with young leaders both at the Department and 
throughout our country.

*	Jim is a true gentleman whom I am privileged to call my 
friend.

*	Jim is also a determined friend of agriculture and rural 
America. His insight, vision, and wisdom are valued and 
sought – not just by me, but policy makers from across 
the country, around the world, and especially by his peers 
at USDA.

*	It is now my great honor and privilege to introduce The 
Honorable James Moseley, Deputy Secretary for the 
Department of Agriculture.


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