05/26/06 Ag burning rule supported at hearing

Washington Ag May 26, 2006 Both agriculture and clean air activists praised the Department of Ecology's proposed ag burning rule at a hearing in Spokane this week. Under the proposed rule Ecology will use weather forecasting tools and a smoke metering system to manage the spring and fall burning of wheat stubble in eastern Washington. Washington Association of Wheat Growers President Jerry Snyder testified that agricultural burning is very valuable and must be retained as a tool in the tool box for farmers. Snyder: "This proposed ag burning rule will both protect public health and allow farmers to continue to burn. So it will be a win-win situation for all parties involved." In his testimony Tim Connor of Save Our Summers defended the proposed rule against criticism from his fellow clean air activists. Connor: "And anybody who is suspect about what Ecology is doing and whether it is good enough or whether it is a good improvement, you should look at this data. Because it shows that since 2003 when Ecology implemented metering, it has by and large used that program with an ample margin of public safety. I don't think there is any question about that." The proposal would increase the per acre burn fee in 2008 from the current $2 to $2.25. I'm Bob Hoff.