Energy independence sought

After Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ last trip home, she returned to the other Washington with a reinvigorated commitment to job creation, economic growth and energy independence. With a speech at the Hearth & Home Technologies factory in Colville, she joined with other local leaders to discuss the importance of biomass and other renewable energies.

The event, “Growing a Cleaner, Greener Economy Utilizing Renewable Densified Biomass,” focused on the company’s form of green technology. Similar to hydropower, biomass is a renewable resource with tremendous potential. Unfortunately, many forms of biomass aren’t recognized as renewable by the federal government, but she plans to do everything she can to change that.

Hearth & Home Technologies has promoted biomass and highlighted its ability to provide renewable energy for our region, spur job growth and complement existing forestry infrastructure. In talking with officials at Avista, McKinstry and ReliOn, these companies are all similarly burdened with federal regulations imposed upon them, and reducing these restrictions is the key to achieving energy independence, lowering energy costs and creating millions of private sector jobs. She is confident that we can make it happen.

Margaret James

Spokane Valley