Teresa Hoffman, policy communications associate, teresah@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext. 1012; or Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, rheal@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext 1025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Center for Rural Affairs applauds the reintroduction of the Growing Climate Solutions Act. The legislation was reintroduced by its original sponsors for the 117th Congress.
“Carbon payment programs offer a financial opportunity for farmers implementing important conservation on their farms,” said Kayla Bergman, senior policy associate for the Center of Rural Affairs. “While there has been growing excitement for these programs, standardization and verification is necessary.”
Bergman commends the bipartisan leadership on this bill, including Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for joining their colleagues, Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Mike Braun (R-IN), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Sheldon Whitehouse, (D-RI) in cosponsorship of this legislation.
“The large group of bipartisan legislators sponsoring this bill, including senators from our heartland states, demonstrates the support for America’s farmers scaling up their conservation efforts to address climate change,” Bergman said.
The Growing Climate Solutions Act will establish a certification program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for private parties who work with producers to receive payments for carbon sequestration.
In addition to bringing legitimacy to carbon trading, Bergman said the legislation would make the enrollment process less cumbersome. The program has already generated interest among farmers and companies, she said.
“This legislation solidifies the important role agriculture plays in addressing climate change by providing a good path forward for carbon markets,” Bergman said.
