12/15/05 Governor pushes biofuels legislation

Washington Ag December 15, 2005 Governor Christine Gregoire this week proposed an energy agenda for Washington that includes a renewable fuels standard and infrastructure funding for a biofuels industry. Gregoire said her agenda for the legislature will start to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create new markets for crops grown in the state. Renewable fuels standard legislation would set a minimum for the amount of biodiesel that must be blended with diesel fuel sold in-state as well as ethanol in gas. That minimum would take effect and gradually increase as the biodfuels market develops. Gregoire also proposes to invest 17.5 million dollars in low-interest loans for bioenergy projects such as seed crushers. Jim Armstrong with the Spokane County Conservation District has been heavily involved in efforts to develop biofuels and crops in Washington and he's encouraged. Armstrong: "I think we are fairly confident that this is a good first step and will do what it is intended to do and that is get us a little bit of energy independence and get some economic development back in these rural communities where we need it." Armstrong emphasizes that farmers are going to have to get a profitable price for biofuel seedstock crops like canola and mustard before they will grow it. He has told state lawmakers farmers say they need 15 cents a pound for canola and maybe 17 cents for mustard. I'm Bob Hoff.