From the Office of Senator Mike Braun, Indiana, April 22, 2021
WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) reintroduced the bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act, which will break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate-smart practices. The bill has broad, bipartisan support from 42 Senators and over 70 agricultural and environmental organizations. Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry will consider advancing the legislation at a business meeting.
QUOTES IN SUPPORT OF THE GROWING CLIMATE SOLUTIONS ACT:
“Iowa’s hardworking farmers continue to lead the way on conservation, and they’ve already made tremendous strides in practicing responsible stewardship of their land and farm while promoting a clean environment,” said Senator Ernst, ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy. “Carbon credit markets provide our ag community with an avenue to capitalize on their ongoing commitment to sustainable farming, and it’s critical that we dissolve any obstacles standing in the way of this untapped potential. That’s why I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to reduce barriers for Iowa farmers looking to enter carbon credit markets and adopt climate-smart conservation practices.”
“Climate change is among our most pressing global challenges, and our farmers and foresters can play a critical role in our response,” said Senator Chris Coons, co-chair of the Senate Climate Solutions Caucus. “The Growing Climate Solutions Act is an example of how we can bring everyone to the table to find common ground on solutions that will protect our environment and combat climate change. I look forward to working with Senators Braun, Stabenow, and my colleagues to advance it into law.”
“I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this common-sense bipartisan proposal, which will inform farmers, ranchers, and foresters how to navigate around the barriers-to-entry that have historically prevented them from accessing voluntary environmental mitigation credit markets,” Senator Marco Rubio said. “This common-sense proposal will assist agriculture stakeholders in identifying alternative sources of income, while at the same time empowering them to pursue efforts to restore ecosystems including wetlands and forests, mitigate environmental impacts, and improve water quality. As a member of the Climate Solutions Caucus, I look forward to working with caucus co-chair, Senator Braun, to advance this legislation.”
“Time and again I hear from farmers across Colorado concerned that climate change is going to make it more difficult for them to pass down their operations to the next generation,” said Senator Michael Bennet. “We must tackle the climate challenge, in part by ensuring that farmers, ranchers, and foresters have the opportunity to be a part of the solution. The Growing Climate Solutions Act is an important step toward that goal and I look forward with working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this across the finish line.”
“Foresters, farmers, and ranchers are good stewards of our farm and timberlands, already possessing the skills and characteristics to help the environment on which their livelihoods depend. This legislation represents a solid plan to give them access to carbon credit markets and benefit economically from their good work,” Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith said. “We have very strong voluntary participation in existing federal conservation programs in Mississippi. Our strong agriculture sector and forests make improving access to the carbon credit markets a smart move.”
“The agricultural community has a vital role to play in addressing climate change. By increasing access to the voluntary carbon credit market, our legislation will help reduce confusion and improve information for farmers and ranchers looking to implement practices that capture carbon, reduce emissions, improve soil health, and empower them in their stewardship of the land. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this effort and look forward to our continued work on the Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus,” said Senator Mitt Romney.
“The Growing Climate Solutions Act will help Hoosier farmers navigate the emerging activity in carbon markets. This bill prioritizes the needs of agriculture in climate efforts, and I’m glad to partner with my colleague from Indiana in supporting both our rural communities and the environment,” said Senator Todd Young.
“The Growing Climate Solutions Act is a meaningful step toward accomplishing the often-contentious goal of preserving and maintaining our natural environment without relying on heavy-handed federal mandates. Idaho is a national leader in the use of clean, renewable power, and this legislation allows Idaho’s farmers and forest land owners to more easily access private, voluntary carbon markets and be rewarded for climate-smart practices. I continue to support policies like this that protect ecological health, facilitate sustainable and multiple use of our public lands, and incentivize the proper stewardship of private property,” said Senator Mike Crapo.
“We believe that farmers, ranchers, and producers are the mainstay of the agriculture industry and play an essential role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions,” said John R. Tyson, Chief Sustainability Officer at Tyson Foods. “The Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2021 is a great move in the right direction, and we commend the bipartisan work to address climate change”.
“Expanding the natural carbon sequestration potential of America’s agricultural sector represents one of the best opportunities for real climate action. The Growing Climate Solutions Act will empower America’s farmers and ranchers to build on their legacy of environmental stewardship by leading the fight against climate change. The American Conservation Coalition thanks Senator Braun and Senator Stabenow for their leadership and strong commitment to bipartisan climate solutions,” said American Conservation Coalition Vice President of Government Affairs Quill Robinson
“The entire agriculture community, including the seed industry, has a critical role to play in driving breakthrough solutions to address climate change and other pressing challenges facing the future of our planet. We applaud the bipartisan efforts led by Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.), as well as Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.) who worked to ensure farmers have a prominent seat at the table when it comes to climate policies,” said Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association
“America’s sheep producers have long supported healthy ranges and good stewardship of our nation’s vast natural resources. Sheep grazing and wool production sequester carbon, manage vegetation, improve wildlife habitat and enhance rangeland systems. The Growing Climate Solutions Act provides a framework to recognize our producers’ efforts, while reducing barriers for them to participate in new and innovative markets. We greatly apprecaite the bipartisan approach and the broad support that Senators Stabenow and Braun have been able to get behind this initiative,” said Susan Shultz, President of the American Sheep Industry Association
“America’s sugar farmers are dedicated to advancing climate-smart policies and support efforts to dismantle technical barriers that impede the ability for farmers to voluntarily participate in carbon markets. The bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act is an important step forward and the American Sugar Alliance applauds its reintroduction. We appreciate Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) for their work with Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) to improve this legislation and ensure it helps rural America further achieve its climate goals. A number of farmer-friendly changes have been added to the Growing Climate Solutions Act to achieve funding needs without reopening the Farm Bill or otherwise affecting the existing funding of farm and conservation programs. Importantly, this legislation has already garnered support from a bipartisan group of senators who represent a broad cross-section of American agriculture,” said the American Sugar Alliance
“This legislation is at the heart of everything we fight for at BIO and proves that climate action and economic growth can go hand in hand. By helping our agricultural producers solve the technical entry barriers to carbon markets, this bill will encourage farmers and ranchers to use biotechnology breakthroughs to reduce emissions and deploy their land in the fight against climate change. It will bring greater value to the biobased economy by allowing the manufacturers of biobased chemicals, plastics, food, animal feed, and everyday materials, to reliably demonstrate their true environmental benefit, from farm to consumer. Because of the significant positive impact the legislation will have for American farmers, rural economies, and our planet, BIO supports and applauds Senators Mike Braun (R-IN) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) for their leadership in introducing the bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act,” said Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, President and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization
“BPC Action commends Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN), Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and the multiple co-sponsors on both sides of the aisle for the introduction of the Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2021. BPC Action looks forward to working with Congress to pass this bipartisan bill that takes an important step forward in unlocking the potential within U.S. agriculture and forestry to serve as a critical climate solution,” said Michele Stockwell, Executive Director of Bipartisan Policy Center Action
“Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is pleased to support the Growing Climate Solutions Act. We have long been committed to the well-being of people and animals and are dedicated to contributing to a more sustainable future for all. We believe this legislation takes an important step to support sustainability and to increase profitability for producers,” said Randolph Legg, President and Head of Commercial Business, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.
“I am grateful to see the bipartisan work of the Climate Solutions Caucus on creative climate solutions for our nation. The Growing Climate Solutions Act is an area of great potential, carbon sequestration of land through farming and other land management practices. The Act provides greater opportunities for farmers and foresters to participate in carbon markets. Like many other faith communities, my own Amish and Mennonite community has long connected our relationship with the land with our relationship with God, for God placed humans in the garden to “till and keep it.” (Genesis 2:15) Another translation of the Hebrew could be “serve and protect.” This act can move us towards restorative and proactive practices that more fully engage and heal our land, divine, and human relationships,” said Rev. Douglas Kaufman, Director of Pastoral Ecology at the Center for Sustainable Climate Solutions
“We are pleased Chairwoman Stabenow and Senator Braun have reintroduced the Growing Climate Solutions Act, and we appreciate the Senate Agriculture Committee’s leadership on this issue. America’s farmers and ranchers bear an outsize burden of the impacts of climate change, but they can also play an important role in addressing America’s greenhouse gas emissions. This bill is an important step to giving farmers, ranchers and foresters new tools to address climate. Citizens’ Climate Lobby applauds quick action on this legislation,” said Ben Pendergrass, Senior Director of Government Affairs at the Citizens Climate Lobby
“When our farmers, ranchers, and foresters go the extra mile to help reduce America’s carbon footprint, they should be rewarded, not penalized. The Growing Climate Solutions Act is exciting because it would allow valuable carbon credits to be harvested along with any crops farmed using climate-friendly practices. By normalizing how those credits can be sold on voluntary carbon credit markets, the GCSA also makes it easy for farms of all shapes and sizes to connect with and sell these credits to the scores of American companies and utilities that have committed to going carbon neutral but can’t do it alone. CRES commends Senators Braun, Stabenow, Graham and Whitehouse for their continued leadership on this legislation and for prioritizing commonsense clean energy and climate policy. The support for this legislation by a large, bipartisan group of senators—especially those hailing from the Midwest and across the Heartland—is a testament to the positive impact this bill will have on the men and women who give so much to feed, fuel and clothe us all,” said Heather Reams, Executive Director of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions
“This legislation is the latest example of the growing bipartisan collaboration in Congress on climate. The surest way to make lasting progress on climate change is for both parties to come together and develop solutions that work for the American people. The GCSA offers a promising approach to partner with farmers and ranchers to reduce agricultural emissions,” said Greg Bertelsen, CEO of the Climate Leadership Council
“The Growing Climate Solutions Act is an important step in encouraging farmer and forest landowner participation in carbon markets. Having USDA enhance the legitimacy and transparency of carbon credits will improve and expand market participation, thereby providing a strong economic incentive for land use practices that contribute to efforts to address climate change. ConservAmerica applauds lead sponsors Senators Mike Braun, Debbie Stabenow, Lindsey Graham, and Sheldon Whitehouse and their staffs for their hard work on this legislation, and we urge its swift passage,” said Jeff Kupfer, President of ConservAmerica
“Responsible stewardship of the land is a tradition that has been handed down through generations of American farmers. This important bill creates a system to further incentivize that tradition, helping farmers and forest landowners deliver on their promise for their children and grandchildren,” said John Bode, President and CEO of Corn Refiners Association
“Corteva Agriscience supports the Growing Climate Solutions Act, and we look forward to working with the Senate Agriculture Committee to advance this bill and similar proposals that are designed to support farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in voluntary efforts to expand – and derive income from – climate smart practices,” said Anne Alonzo, Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer at Corteva Agriscience
“The Growing Climate Solutions Act gives farmers and landowners the tools to improve their land and profitability, while benefiting habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. We thank Sen. Stabenow, Sen. Boozman and Sen. Braun for their leadership in spearheading this bipartisan legislation, and we look forward to additional scientific, voluntary and incentive-based proposals to guide our federal climate policy,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam.
“The Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC) applauds the reintroduction of the Growing Climate Solutions Act. If passed, it will help farmers and ranchers better access voluntary ecosystem services markets that incentivize beneficial environmental outcomes for society and provide additional revenue streams for agricultural producers. Ecosystem services markets are an important tool in the fight against climate change and we hope the Growing Climate Solutions Act will help scale their use in agriculture to help the U.S. meet its global climate commitments. ESMC thanks Sens. Stabenow, Braun, and Boozman, as well as their staffs, for their tireless efforts to craft this legislation, which is an important, bipartisan step in the right direction,” said Debbie Reed, Executive Director of the Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)
…….. to be continued tomorrow ……
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