WLPOLICY MATTERSfive-year reauthorization of the National Flood InsuranceProgram and streamlining of agencies’ environmentalreview process.WAWG is in the process of monitoring how this transportationbill will be implemented within Washingtonstate. H.R. 2414 clarifies agricultural hours of serviceprovisions and continues the farm vehicle exemptionfrom federal commercial driver’s license requirements.Federally, a covered farm vehicle, including the individualoperating that vehicle, shall be exempt from the following:(1) Any requirement relating to commercial driver’slicenses established under chapter 313 of title 49,United States Code.(2) Any requirement relating to drug testing establishedunder chapter 313 of title 49, United States Code.(3) Any requirement relating to medical certificatesestablished under chapter 313 of title 49, United StatesCode.(4) Any requirement relating to hours of service establishedunder:(A) subchapter III of chapter 311 of title 49, UnitedStates Code; or(B) chapter 315 of title 49, United States Code.Federal transportation funding to a state may not be terminated,limited or otherwise interfered with as a result ofthe state exempting a covered farm vehicle, including theNOAA makesmoney availableto help deal withtsunami debrisBy Columbia Basin Fishand Wildlife News BulletinNOAA recently announcedthat $250,000 in grants has beenmade available through its marinedebris program to five states impactedby debris from the March2011 Japanese tsunami.Alaska, Washington, Oregon,California and Hawaii will receiveup to $50,000 each to use towardmarine debris removal efforts.“We continue to actively workwith the states and other federalagencies to address the challengesassociated with tsunami debris,”said Nancy Wallace, director of NOAA’s marine debrisprogram. “We are pleased to be able to contributefunds to support states’ efforts to respond to andremove marine debris, including disposal fees, cleanupsupplies and dumpster rentals. We remain dedicatedto continuing our work with the states and others to addresscontingency planning, monitoring and research.”NOAA and other federal agencies have been assistingthe West Coast states in planning how to handlephoto COURTESY WashINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF EcolOGYThe Japanese consulate in Seattle confirmed that this boat, which washed ashore at Washington’sCape Disappointment State Park in June, is debris from the 2011 tsunami.above-normal amounts of marine debris. Federal partnershipefforts also include collecting and sharing data,assessing the debris and mitigating risk to navigationalsafety.The Japanese government estimated that the tsunamiswept about 5 million tons of debris into the PacificOcean and that about 70 percent sank shortly after.The remaining 1.5 million tons dispersed far acrossthe North Pacific Ocean in an area roughly three timesthe size of the lower 48 states.22 WHEAT LIFE AUG/SEPT 2012
Rotate into canola this fall,for a profitable alternative to wheat.Construction of the Warden CrusherCanola oil has emerged internationally as the healthiest of allcommonly used cooking oils. And with growing global demand, canolacommodity prices have been very strong, providing farmers with aprofitable cropping alternative to wheat.With our new expeller-pressed canola crushing plant (the largest in NorthAmerica) opening in Warden, WA, Pacific Coast Canola provides farmerswith a significant local market opportunity. We are buying canola today.See your local elevator now to learn more about the latest highperforming winter canola varieties.pacificcoastcanola.com10610A-PPC-Ad-<strong>Wheat</strong><strong>Life</strong>.indd 17/18/12 3:13 PMWHEAT LIFE AUG/SEPT 2012 23
Change language