Washington, D.C.– Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent decision to exclude biomass from its list of regulated energy sources for the nextthree years.

“As a strong supporter of biomass, I applaud the EPA for its decision to encourage responsible development of this innovative energy source and thus, reduce our nation’s dependence on fossil fuels.  In Eastern Washington, we’ve seen how biomass has great potential to complement existing forestry infrastructure, grow jobs in our local economy, and provide renewable energy for our region.  Going forward, I will continue advocating for a permanent ruling to keep the biomass industry growing and thriving.” 

In September 2010, Rep. McMorris Rodgers signed a letter to Nancy Sutley, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) encouraging the CEQ to work with other federal agencies – especially the EPA – in developing a “sensible, consistent, scientifically-based policy that recognizes the carbon-neutrality of biogenic sources.”