Below is an analysis of the Democratic Party Platform, released at last week’s Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. A full copy of the platform is available by clicking here.           

Biodiesel – The platform does not mention biodiesel specifically, but frequently points to clean energy and “clean fuels,” citing the promotion of “clean energy leadership and collaborative stewardship of our natural resources, while expanding opportunities in rural communities across America.” The platform also commits to extending tax credits for clean energy.

Conservation – The platform commits to providing assistance to producers who conserve and improve natural resources on their farms. It also notes the benefit of working cooperatively with farmers in promoting conservation.

Farm Safety Net – The platform commits to providing a “focused safety net to assist family operations that need support during challenging times.”

Hunger and Nutrition – The platform commits to protecting “proven programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) … that help struggling families put food on the table.” The platform also opposes the block-granting of the SNAP program.

Infrastructure Investment - The platform commits to job creation through investment in “rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure,” citing specifically roads, bridges, and freight rail lines and waterways. Additionally, the platform calls for the creation of a national infrastructure bank to focus on infrastructure improvements, as well as the permanent establishment of Build America Bonds to spur investment at the state and local levels.

Rural Broadband – The platform commits to bringing high-speed internet connectivity to “every household in America.”

Trade – The platform contains language on trade, referencing a desire to “review agreements negotiated years ago to update them,” and approach new agreements to ensure they do not take “shortcuts on labor policy or the environment.” The platform includes language on currency manipulation and dumping, and while it mentions the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), it neither supports nor opposes the TPP. Additionally, the platform calls for an end to both the travel ban and the trade embargo with Cuba.

Waters of the U.S. – The Clean Water Act is mentioned in the platform, but only in the context of mining discharge. There is no mention of the Waters of the U.S. rule.

The Republican platform is also available via ASA’s website.