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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (June 8, 2005)
Page 7 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, June 8, 2005 Legislation to encourage biofuel production led by Rep. Gordon Anderson Legislation was passed last week to provide tax in- centives for production fa- cilities, research and devel- opment, and the growth of agricultural materials to be used in biofuel production. The legislation came through action of the Ore- gon House of Representa- tives Environment Commit- tee, under the leadership of Rep. Gordon Anderson (R- Grants Pass), committee chairman. “This legislation recog- nizes the importance Orego- nians place on environ- mental standards while pro- moting economic growth for the state,” he said. “We have a great op- portunity to continue the environmental practices that Oregonians have become so well known for while also providing a needed boost for agricultural market,” said Anderson. Two areas that have been hit hard by the eco- nomic downtown and envi- ronmental regulations are the agriculture and timber USFS lists $1 million in forest work industries. This bill is a step toward supplementing Ore- gon’s energy supply with Oregon products while de- veloping environmentally friendly practices, said An- deson. Renewable energy sources, like biodiesel, will supplement the overall en- ergy demand and reduce dependence on foreign mar- kets, he indicated. “Our goal is to keep Oregon competitive,” he said, “while also creating new jobs for Oregonians through the expanded mar- ket of products we grow right here in Oregon that can be used in biofuel develop- ment. I think this package of legislation does just that. “This legislation aims to meet the environmental in- terests of urban Oregon with the resources the rural com- munity can provide. “This is a smart way to boost and diversify our economy. Biofuels keep money in the local economy and provide farmers with much-needed extra income. This is a situation where everyone wins,” he said. Biodiesel, known for its lower hazardous emissions and biodegradable makeup, is a step toward alternative energy that supports the needs of rural Oregon. Sev- eral small co-ops have started in the Portland area. They offer biodiesel to their memberships in an attempt to mitigate the higher cost of producing biodiesel. Current legislation, which will now be sent to the House floor for a vote, attempts to address this lack in current availability by creating incentives for fur- ther development, produc- tion and research, Anderson PRODUCE TENT SALE More than $1 million in grants to fund forest bio- mass projects in Oregon, thanks to a provision cham- pioned by U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) have been announced by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Under Section 201 in the 2003 Healthy Forests Restoration Act, $5 million annually until 2008 is au- thorized to improve research and processing of smaller- diameter wood from forests, to create commercial value from this woody debris for Oregon’s forest-related busi- nesses and communities. The grants are the first awarded under the Healthy Forests law. “These biomass projects will boost economic for- tunes, fire safety and envi- ronmental protection across Oregon’s forests and forest communities,” said Wyden. “Creating commercial value for smaller-diameter wood and woody debris helps Oregon businesses, aids in the completion of hazardous fuels reduction projects and focuses more attention on the environmental health of our state’s precious natural resources.” “Oregon’s mills and timber towns should have an active role in protecting for- ests from wildfire,” said Smith. “Nobody knows bet- ter than Oregonians the value of defending our natu- ral treasures, and to realize economic opportunity while doing so is the best case scenario.” Projects funded by the grants will help Oregon businesses and other entities create more commercially valuable products from small-diameter wood and woody debris harvested from forests. This will occur, the senators said, by expanding their ability to use all parts of wood and woody debris, by upgrading technology and equipment to process more such biomass, and by ensuring a steady supply of small wood and debris to businesses that wish to proc- ess it. The first funding is for projects in Wallowa County, Warm Springs, Deschutes County, and Boardman. Large Vine Ripe Jumbo Hass W.F. #1 Mini Peeled CANTALOUPE AVOCADOS CARROTS $1 ea. $1 ea. $1 ea. B.C. H.H. Slicing Large California Large California TOMATOES PEACHES NECTARINES 3/$1 3/$1 3/$1 1 Gallon Tropical MANGOS 2/$1 TOMATO Plants 2/$5 Free fish Sat. PRICES GOOD Pilot Produce Tent Sale Mortice Free fishing at Lake Selmac for residents and visitors is offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 11. No license is required, said Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife. The free pro- gram is in its 17th year The intent is to encour- age more people to utilize the state’s attractions. No Dealers Please Where It’s Always Fresh.
