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U.S. gender wage gap grows for the first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Energy Deal With Brazil Raising Eyebrows in Minnesota

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Monday, March 19, 2007   

An energy agreement President Bush signed during his recent trip to South America is raising concerns in Minnesota. It calls for the U.S. and Brazil to work together to produce alternative fuels, but Doug Peterson with the Minnesota Farmers Union says it could lead to more fuel imports, which doesn't make sense.

"We should be energy-independent, whether it's fuel or it's electricity, because we have the technologies. There is this issue on national security. Anything we do to get off that track of energy-independence is absolutely wrong for the direction of this country."

Peterson says importing ethanol will also hurt farmers and taxpayers, and subsidize ethanol production in Brazil. He believes a better course is to invest in building our own renewable fuel capacity and that we should put our efforts into producing energy here.

"U.S. taxpayers are going to be sending our dollars for ethanol production to a foreign country. I think that's just stupid. Why are we going to be taxing our people for new technology, and then shifting it away from this country and our ability to produce our own fuel."

The Bush administration says the agreement will increase production of alternative fuels and strengthen ties with South American allies. The United States currently has trade restrictions on ethanol imports to encourage domestic production. Brazil sees the U.S. as a prime export market.

Peterson warns the deal also bypasses current tariff laws designed to protect domestic alternate energy production. Bush believes the deal will help both nations share research and development, and open markets.

More information on the agreement can be found online at www.nfu.org.


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