The legislation will set a national limit of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and create a cap & trade system that will enable the sale of “carbon reduction” credits. U.S. agriculture can help reduce GHG emissions by adopting new practices and technologies and by producing low-carbon renewable energy.

“In the near term, carbon sequestration projects on agricultural lands are the easiest, most readily available, and cost-efficient means of reducing GHG emissions on a meaningful scale,” added Thompson. “They will serve as interim measures until our country can develop new energy and transportation technologies.”

“There are many other Committees that will take up this bill before it goes to a vote on the House floor this summer. This bill is a good first step, but we look forward to working with
Rep. Bono Mack to ensure that the needed changes for agriculture are put into place,” said Thompson. “We hope the agriculture community will stand with Rep. Bono Mack and be a part of this key legislation. Without a comprehensive climate change bill that defines agriculture’s role and opportunities to protect and strengthen our environment, our sector could face onerous regulations in the future.”

-30-