PRESS RELEASE: ACC Prioritizes Natural Solutions and Calls for Action

Date: 4/27/21

Contact: Karly Matthews / karly@acc.eco

ACC Prioritizes Natural Solutions and Calls for Action

WASHINGTON – The American Conservation Coalition (ACC) released a policy report and legislative call to action on natural climate change solutions today.

Entitled “From Tree to Shining Sea: The Enormous Potential of Natural Climate Change Solutions,” the policy report focuses on ecosystem restoration, agriculture, and global engagement. These solutions – including reforestation, coastal restoration projects, and sustainable agricultural practices – are cost-effective, actionable, and far less politically fraught in Congress than issue areas such as energy and infrastructure. 

ACC National Policy Director Christopher Barnard said: “Nature-based climate solutions can account for nearly a third of all emissions reductions needed by 2030. ACC is proud to bring attention to this vital resource in the fight against climate change and hopes to plant the seed for common-sense, bipartisan climate solutions.  

A prime example of a natural climate solution in Congress is the newly reintroduced Growing Climate Solutions Act in the Senate. This bill would lower barriers to participation in carbon credit markets, increasing the financial incentives for America’s farmers and forest landowners to further adopt climate-smart practices.

ACC VP of Government Affairs Quill Robinson said: “The Growing Climate Solutions Act is smart policy and smart politics. Rather than placing an undue burden on America’s rural communities, it empowers farmers and foresters to be on the front lines of climate solutions.”

ACC is launching a grassroots advocacy campaign to call on Congress to pass this common-sense, bipartisan climate policy. While energy and infrastructure climate policies have faced gridlock in Congress, natural climate solutions, like the Growing Climate Solutions Act, represent the best opportunity to make real progress.  

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