After taking office in January, 4th District U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra visited Wright County last week. He made his first official county tour stop at Gold-Eagle Cooperative in Goldfield last Thursday.
Feenstra, a Republican, is a first term U.S. Congressman. He beat out long-time incumbent Steve King in the Republican primary earlier last year and then went on to defeat Democrat J.D. Scholten in the general election in November.
On his Wright County stop, Feenstra held a roundtable discussion with various employees and board members from Gold-Eagle, as well as the Corn LP ethanol plant, at the co-op’s Goldfield office. Naturally, much of the discussion revolved around agriculture and energy.
Feenstra spoke about his concerns with the push towards electric vehicles on a nationwide level. This includes measures that would promote them in the president’s recently proposed infrastructure plan. Feenstra posited that electrical vehicles are not a feasible environmental solution as they still rely on electricity. He added that that electricity will still depend on coal and natural gas since “wind and solar will never stand on their own.”
The congressman and those present discussed the Summit Carbon Solutions initiative that Gold-Eagle is also involved in. The initiative is aimed at developing carbon capture and storage capabilities. The goal is to establish infrastructure to capture and permanently store millions of tons of carbon dioxide annually and lower the carbon footprint of biorefineries.
Gold-Eagle General Manager Chris Boshart added that they are often frustrated that agriculture is viewed as part of the problem instead of a possible solution for energy and climate issues. Feenstra agreed, noting that he wants to bring EPA Director Michael Regan to Iowa to show him how ag can be part of the solution.
Feenstra, who sits on the Ag Committee, says he benefits from other Midwesterners on that committee, but also noted that they often clash with east and west coast interests. Climate change continues to be a big focus of that committee.
He also sits on the Science and Technology Committee where he said they also focus on biofuels. Feenstra noted, “Science proves how clean that type of energy is.” He added that nationwide broadband, including in rural areas, is an imperative that he is pushing for on that committee. “From precision farming to telemedicine and virtual working and learning, it has become imperative that every Iowan has access to quality, affordable internet services,” said Feenstra.
At the end of the discussion, the congressman encouraged those present to keep in touch with him. “I want to be an effective voice in congress.” He reminded everyone to take an active role in government. “Think of all the taxes you pay. You have a say. You are the owner of government,” concluded Feenstra.
