02/07/08 Congresswoman focuses on energy at farm forum

Washington Ag February 7, 2008 The state of agriculture is good but 5th District Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers also told the Pacific Northwest Farm Forum in Spokane Wednesday that high commodity prices are likely to drop faster than increased production costs are likely to. Costs like fuel and fertilizer. And McMorris Rodgers spent most of her time speaking about energy and the need to meet America's energy needs with American energy. Rodgers: "This means we need an adequate energy supply today. This means, in my opinion, unlocking resources that exist currently and that is why I have supported ANWAR and the outer continental shelf. We also have to recognize that here in the Pacific Northwest we have enjoyed an abundant, clean, affordable renewable resource in our hydroelectric dams. We also need to cut the red tape in the permitting process. Whether it is wind, solar, biomass, biodiesel or nuclear, the permitting process is more often than not really strangling these projects. And finally we have all a role in conservation." Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers says she is optimistic Congress and the Administration will agree on a new farm bill, but if they don't she expects the 2002 law would be extended with reverting to the old permanent law. I'm Bob Hoff.