04/20/05 Tech teams in Asia; Energy Bill up

The latest step in reopening Japan and South Korea to American beef products is taking place this week. A U.S.D.A. technical delegation led by Deputy Under Secretary Charles Lambert, will review how our nation's prevention programs ensure the safety of U.S. beef to both nations, as well as urge each country to adapt import regulations closer to current World Organization of Animal Health standards. Currently in South Korea through Thursday, the delegation then conducts a three day visit in Japan late in the week. And according to U.S.D.A. Secretary Mike Johanns, technical teams from both nations are expected to visit the U.S. soon after to review American beef production and processing systems. U.S. beef products have been banned in Japan and South Korea since a case of b.s.e was detected in our country in December 2003. The House is set today and tomorrow to hold debate, and most likely pass, its latest attempt at Energy legislation. But once again, the sticking point between the House and Senate versions of the bill is the House amendment that would exempt makers of fuel additive methyl tertiary butyl ether, m.t.b.e. for short, from liability in contamination suits. The Senate held up passage on an Energy Bill last year, in part, over the controversial amendment. However, House Energy and Commerce Chair Joe Barton of Texas says intense negotiations over m.t.b.e. exemption is underway and predicts the matter will be resolved by this summer. That is when the Senate is scheduled to start debate on its version of the Energy Bill. Now with today's "Food Forethought", here's Susan Allen. ALLEN: We hear about the perils of grazing livestock on public lands but what often fails to be mentioned is how gazing can be a vital component to restoring natural habitat. In Arizona for example, several National forests are threatened by invasive nonnative weeds. Grazing sheep and goats provides an alternative to spraying chemicals. But the U.S. Forest Service finds itself in a no- win situation. While they receive a barrage of complaints when they spray weeds, other groups are just as vocal about using grazing. If properly managed sheep, goats, even cattle can efficiently eradiate weeds. Noxious weeds like bull thistle, Dalmatian toadflax and leafy spurge destroy native plant species while others invasive plants like Salt Cedar can even lower the water table. Up to the mid 1800's Western grassland and forests thrived due to the consistent rotational grazing of deer, elk bison, horses sheep and antelope, kind of interesting that with all of today's technology, the natural way is proving to be the most effective I'm Susan Allen and this is Food Forethought.