Letter sent to President Obama, Administrator McCarthy and Sec. Vilsack calling for reconsideration on the EPA's proposed RFS rule

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad has brought together a bipartisan group of six governors to sign on to a letter to President Barack Obama, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy and United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack expressing their support for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) that fosters diversification of America's energy portfolio, gives consumers choices at the pump, supports economic development in rural communities and reduces harmful emissions across the nation. The EPA recently proposed a rule that would significantly weaken the current RFS, and Gov. Branstad and this group of governors expressed their opposition to the EPA proposal.

The following governors signed on in support of a strong RFS: Gov. Terry Branstad (R-Iowa), Gov. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R-N.D.), Gov. Mark Dayton (D-Minn.), Gov. Dennis Dugaard (R-S.D.), and Gov. Dave Heineman (R-Neb.).

In the letter, the governors write, "More than 400,000 Americans depend on renewable fuels for good-paying jobs that support rewarding careers in our states. According to the Renewable Fuels Association and LMC International, 44,500 of these jobs could be lost due to the EPA proposed rule. This proposed rule would greatly hinder our states' efforts to foster policies that create jobs, grow family incomes, and revitalize our economies.

"If the EPA's currently proposed rule becomes final, the negative impact would be disproportionately felt by rural America. According to an Iowa State University estimate, corn prices alone could drop nineteen cents per bushel based on the proposed rule, which could bring corn prices below the cost of production for many farmers. The proposed EPA rule could also cause a ripple effect on agri-business, our communities, and the entire economy."

The bipartisan letter is the latest effort by Branstad to fight for American jobs, rural communities and a strong agriculture industry by working to protect the RFS. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds, and other Iowa elected leaders recently requested a hearing in Iowa on this EPA proposal. On December 4, 2013, Gov. Branstad testified before the EPA in support of the RFS in Arlington, VA. The testimony followed a "Defend the RFS" rally in Nevada, Iowa, on November 22, 2013.

The full letter can be read below:

December 20, 2013

The Honorable Barack Obama

President of the United States of America

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Obama:

As governors who support the public policy and economic benefits that flow from biofuels, we write today to express our strong opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed rule that would significantly reduce ethanol and biodiesel choices for consumers as enabled in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The EPA proposal would have a negative impact on family incomes, the diversification of our energy portfolio, economic development in rural communities, and emissions reduction across our nation.

The renewable fuels that are proudly used by consumers across the country, are produced with American-grown corn, soybeans, wood chips and other important biomass resources that are processed through biofuels facilities that employ thousands, all while injecting millions into agribusiness and local economies. More than 400,000 Americans depend on renewable fuels for good-paying jobs that support rewarding careers in our states. According to the Renewable Fuels Association and LMC International, 44,500 of these jobs could be lost due to the EPA proposed rule. This proposed rule would greatly hinder our states' efforts to foster policies that create jobs, grow family incomes, and revitalize our economies.

If the EPA's currently proposed rule becomes final, the negative impact would be disproportionately felt by rural America. According to an Iowa State University estimate, corn prices alone could drop nineteen cents per bushel based on the proposed rule, which could bring corn prices below the cost of production for many farmers. The proposed EPA rule could also cause a ripple effect on agri-business, our communities, and the entire economy.

We urge your Administration to use its regulatory authority in a manner that both supports a growing renewable fuels industry and meets the statutory requirements of the law. Specifically, we hope that you will encourage the EPA to increase the biodiesel volume to reflect current production levels, modify the cellulosic target to match production expectations, and reinstate the statutory conventional renewable fuel target since there is clearly no domestic supply shortage. The gradually increasing RFS levels have been an important part of diversifying our nation's transportation fuels and reducing fuel costs at the pump.

We appreciate your past support for renewable fuels and the commitments you have pledged. We hope you will protect the RFS, renew your commitment, and stand strong along with us, consumers, and agricultural producers in supporting American-made renewable fuels.

Sincerely,

Governor Terry E. Branstad, Iowa

Governor Sam Brownback, Kansas

Governor Mark Dayton, Minnesota

Governor Dave Heineman, Nebraska

Governor Jack Dalrymple, North Dakota

Governor Dennis Daugaard, South Dakota

cc:  Gina McCarthy, Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency

Tom Vilsack, Secretary, United States Department of Agriculture

Federal Reimbursement Would Help Nine Counties Recover Many Disaster-Related Costs

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today requested federal aid to help local governments in nine Illinois counties recover from the Nov. 17 deadly tornado outbreak. Counties included in the request include Champaign, Douglas, Grundy, Massac, Tazewell, Vermilion, Washington, Wayne and Woodford.  If the request is approved, local governments could receive reimbursement for 75 percent of eligible disaster-related costs such as overtime, debris removal and repair and replacement of damaged public property.

"More than two dozen tornadoes tore through the state on Nov. 17, leaving behind widespread heartbreak and damage," Governor Quinn said. "This federal aid would help ensure these communities fully recover from this disaster while providing vital services to their residents."

Today's request included documentation of tornado-related expenses, such as emergency protective measures, debris removal and repair or replacement of government-owned facilities incurred by the nine counties. The information was collected by representatives from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as they met with local government representatives in affected counties earlier this month.

The request also noted other impacts from the tornadoes, including winter weather conditions that will delay debris clean up and rebuilding, affected communities still dealing with costs related to flood events in April 2013 and April 2011 and public property losses that may not be completely covered by insurance.

Governor Quinn already has secured federal aid to help people and businesses in Champaign, Douglas, Fayette, Grundy, Jasper, LaSalle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Will and Woodford counties recover from the Nov. 17 tornadoes. To date, nearly 2,000 people in those counties have applied for assistance, with more than $1.3 million in federal grants and more than $1.5 million in low-interest loans already approved.

The deadline for people to apply for federal aid is Jan. 27, 2014.

ANNOUNCEMENTS - Friday 12/20/2013

Now through December 23rd, all 2013 Chamber Members are eligible and invited to vote for Chamber Board Members for 2014, and for Nominees and Winners of the Annual Awards for 2013 to be announced at the Annual Dinner, Saturday, February 1, 2014, at Davenport Country Club.  Please see ballots for Board Members and for the Annual Awards at www.leclairechamber.com Thank you for your participation!

Time to Renew your LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Membership or Join for 2014! Go to www.leclairechamber.com to renew or join, or see the attached form to complete and return. Deadline to renew, February 1, 2014. Thank you for your membership!

Shops open late now - December 21st: From now thru Saturday, December 21st, several shops are staying open late on Thursday, Friday & Saturday: Artswork, Aunt Hattie's, Dwellings, Grasshoppers, LeClaire Antiques & Appraisals, Mississippi River Distilling Co., Razzleberries, The Shameless Chocoholic, and Wide River Winery are open until 8pm. Mississippi Cottage Antiques will be open until 7pm on December 20-21. Big Dave & Holly's hours - 11am-8:30pm and open on Sundays.

Shop hours on Christmas Eve: Artswork 10am-3pm, Aunt Hattie's 10am-3pm, Bierstube 10:30am-4pm & Christmas Day 5pm-2am (bar only), Buffalo Bill Museum 9-4pm, Dwellings 10am-3pm, Grasshoppers 10am-4pm, Mississippi Cottage Antiques 10am-6pm, Mississippi River Distilling Co. 10am-3pm, Wide River Winery 10am-3pm

CALENDAR

Now thru Jan. 12th - Enright's LeClaire Super Car Wash - Annual Holiday Token Sale - 8 tokens for $30. Each token has a value of $6.50. Stop in for tokens and to register for weekly winners drawings! Tokens Make Great Gifts! Stock up for winter!

December 13^th-December 24th - Bier-Stube celebrating 12 days of Christmas specials! http://bier-stube.com/

December 31st - Riverview Roadhouse: New Year's Eve - ringing in the New Year with DJ Klucker. New Year's Day - open at 11am to watch all the football games. Scotch Doubles Pool Tournament starting at 2pm on New Year's Day, $5.00 per person. 701 N. Cody Road, LeClaire, IA 563-289-9969

December 31st - The Faithful Pilot Café - New Year's Eve - Seven courses includes champagne toast at the end of your meal. Seatings at 6pm & 8:30pm for $100 per person (no coupons or discounts) $50 for a wine pairing will include 5 glasses of wine per person. Phone: 563-289-4156 or email faithfulpilot@gmail.com. 117 N. Cody Road, LeClaire, IA.

December 31st - Stevenson's: New Year's Eve - Open for regular dinning from 5-9 and a party from 10-1. The party is $75 plus tax and gratuity. It includes appetizer stations, open bar, live music, a dance floor, a photo booth and a shot ice luge. Also providing people with a ride home if they need it. Call for reservations: 563-289-3600. 1399 Eagle Ridge Road, Le Claire, IA.

December 31st - The Crane & Pelican Café - New Year's Eve is offering two seatings for New Year's Eve - 6pm & 8pm. The menu is on their website www.craneandpelican.com. Three delicious courses for $45. They are filling up fast so call today for your reservation 563-289-8774. 127 2nd Street South, LeClaire, IA

Save the Date

January 25^th - Freedom Rock Trivia - LeClaire Fire Station Come help raise funds for the Freedom Rock, coming to the LeClaire levee as the chosen site for all of Scott County! Doors open at 6:00 pm and trivia will start at 7pm. Cost is $10 per person. All proceeds will go to the Freedom Rock fund. You don't have to be good at trivia - come for the fun and to support this great cause! To reserve a table, email freedomrockscottcountyiowa@gmail.com or contact Barry Long - 563-949-6969.

February 1^st - LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner - Davenport Country Club - more details and invitations to come!

February 8^th - TugFest Trivia - LeClaire Fire Station Doors open at 6:00 pm and trivia will start at 7pm. Cost is $10 per person.  You don't have to be good at trivia - come for the fun! To reserve a table, email iowatugfestfan@gmail.com

March 1^st - Rock and Roll Bingo!  LeClaire Rec Center - Fund raiser for Freedom Rock. Songs will be played and you identify the songs on bingo cards. There will be 50/50 and other raffles.  Event will be hosted by Cody Tucker of B100!  More details to come!

FYI

Visit the NEW LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see our updated Facebook page!

New Lunch Menu at Blue Iguana - all lunch entree options are 9 dollars.

LeClaire Antiques and Appraisals current hours are Friday through Mondays 12-4pm or by appointment until Dec. 23.

Faithful Pilot - Every Wednesday 1/2 priced wine night with Chef's Tapas menu to go along side. Don't forget to book all of your holiday parties with The Faithful Pilot or bring Chef Robert into your home and let us cater your holiday event! Now open for lunch, 12-2, Wed-Sat.

Buffalo Bill Museum Expansion "It's an exciting time in the museum's almost 57 year history," said Robert Schiffke, Executive Director of the Buffalo Bill Museum & River Pilots' Pier, "as we start another expansion of our facility."  The women who were members of the LeClaire Women's Club, who founded the museum in 1957, wouldn't recognize the building today, but they would see many of the items first exhibited in its original location at 114 North Cody Road, LeClaire. Included will be an Archival Workroom allowing careful access to the museum's extensive print and photograph collection, a "hands on" classroom for children visiting the museum, and exhibits that highlight LeClaire's role in the region's economic growth through its shipyards, button factories, and river pilots who opened the region to river commerce.  An architectural drawing of the expansion is available for public view at the museum during regular hours, and donations towards the expansion are being accepted. "We appreciate the support of the community in this project, and donations of artifacts and funds are always welcome.  We are truly a community institution, and volunteers have grown the museum into the LeClaire landmark that it is today" said Connie Curlott, President of the Board of Directors.  The museum is open 9am - 4pm, Mon.-Saturday; 12noon - 4pm, Sundays. Call 563-289-5580 for more information or to donate to the expansion project.

Commercial space for rent - 204 Jones St. - $1,200 per month plus utilities - effective Dec. lst.  Call 563-370-2386. Will show by appointment. Commercially zoned only.

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. Washer & dryers in every unit along with all other appliances.  Each apartment has either a balcony or a patio.  Considerable storage in each 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 for a tour and more information today!

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire Meals for Seniors at the church every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 noon. Good food and a time to visit with others. Please call 563-289-3646 and make a reservation 2 days in advance.

Chamber 2014 Networking Events - TBA