Go to Speaker Frank Chopp's News Page
1.4.07
Suggested lead: The agriculture and environmental communities are poised to get a little closer, thanks to Washington's alternative energy movement. Dan Frizzell has that story.
Wrap (:45 total): Legislators hope to put more green in Washington farmers' pockets by passing a new crop of alternative energy laws this year in Olympia. State lawmakers laid the groundwork last winter for a homegrown biodiesel and methanol industry. Now Speaker of the House Frank Chopp says the 2007 Legislature will help make it even more profitable for the state's farmers to supply the raw materials . . . a prospect that brings together some old antagonists.
CHOPP: "Used to be this continuing battle out there between the farm community and environmentalists. And here we have a great issue, energy freedom, that can help both the farmer and the environment." [:11]
Chopp, a Seattle Democrat, will wield the gavel for the 105-day legislative session that opens for business this Monday. At the state Capitol, this is Dan Frizzell.