What’s Happening

A bipartisan coalition of legislators reintroduced the Growing Climate Solutions Act in the Senate late on Tuesday. 

The legislation is led by Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

Why It Matters

The Growing Climate Solutions Act, originally introduced in the 116th Congress, is an important step in engaging the agricultural and forestry sectors in the fight against climate change. Scientists estimate that natural solutions, including sustainable farming and forestry practices, can deliver more than 30% of the carbon reductions needed by 2030 to meet our climate goals. 

There is already massive private sector demand for carbon credits – certificates that verify carbon reduction of sequestration. While markets for these credits already exist, farmers and foresters face a variety of barriers, which prevent them from participating. The Growing Climate Solutions Act will create a certification program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, making it easier for farmers and forest landowners to participate in carbon credit markets.  

My Take

America’s farmers and foresters are natural conservationists and have already taken great strides in making their industries more sustainable. Carbon markets provide a financial incentive for them to further adopt practices that lower their carbon footprint and increase their land’s carbon sequestration capacity. By increasing the accessibility of carbon markets for these landowners, both small and large, the Growing Climate Solutions Act will put rural communities on the front lines of climate solutions. The bill is not only a smart, science-backed climate policy, it is politically significant because it will empower, rather than place a burden on rural American communities.  

Quote Me On It

“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 VP of Government Affairs Quill Robinson