Even though Congress has adjourned, discussions are under way in Washington about renewing the many tentacles of the farm bill next year. Debates over crop subsidies and how they affect international trade will make the rewrite difficult.

Fortunately, one part could sail through with both parties' support — and benefit Americans who breathe dirty air, worry about asthma and gag over energy costs.

The Freedom to Farm Act will include a section on alternative energies. It looks like Democrats and Republicans share an interest in such sources.

The president says we need to end our reliance on fossil fuels. And former Texas Democratic Rep. Charles Stenholm, who's been knee-deep in farm legislation since the 1970s, says Washington can come together around energy alternatives. So does Waco Demo-crat Chet Edwards, who can help make this happen through the energy and water appropriations subcommittee on which he serves.

The nation can't move away from fossil fuels tomorrow, but we do need to plan an escape route. Whether it's affordable solar power, clean coal, wind power, ethanol, biodiesel fuel, hydrogen cells or some other form of new energy, Washington and producers alike need to keep alternatives in their sights.

Shell Oil President John Hofmeister said as much during a recent online chat with the Dallas Morning News editorial board. His company, he said, is spending about $500 million over 10 years on alternative fuels research. (So is British Petroleum, an industry leader.)

Washington can be a leader as well by emphasizing alternative energies. Rep. Joe Barton will play a major role as the top Republican on the House Energy Committee. He backed alternative fuels when his committee passed energy legislation in 2004. Doing so again in the farm bill will help Americans move into the future.

The president needs to realize this can't be done on the cheap. And Democrats can't fund everything. But there is a way to get this done so we all can breathe better air.