WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe Tuesday urged U.S. Trade Representative-designate Robert Zoellick to give softwood lumber negotiations high priority when he is confirmed by the Senate. Snowe made her comments, and urged strong enforcement of U.S. trade laws, during a hearing on Zoellick’s nomination Tuesday in the Senate Finance Committee.

Snowe, a member of the committee, met Zoellick in her office last week. At Tuesday morning’s hearing, she said she hopes the United States can immediately negotiate a permanent agreement on softwood lumber with Canada to provide a long-term resolution.

“Canadian practices on softwood lumber have been a serious and persistent problem that have affected the lumber industry throughout the nation and in my state of Maine. We need to make a serious effort to address a flawed softwood lumber agreement that is undercutting a primary industry in Maine and this country,” Snowe said. Zoellick pledged to consult with Snowe and other senators to determine the best U.S. negotiating position.

At issue is renegotiation of the 1996 U.S.-Canada Softwood Lumber Agreement, which expires March 31. “Negotiating a new agreement will help prevent a protracted trade battle over the huge subsidies Canada’s provinces – which own 95 percent of Canadian timber – provide to its lumber companies,” Snowe said.

Snowe reiterated her call for creation of a Northern Council of Border States to address issues affecting trade relations with Canada.