On Thursday, June 24, the Senate passed the S. 1251, the Growing Climate Solutions Act (GCSA), by a vote of 92-8. The bipartisan legislation reduces technical entry barriers for producers and forest owners interested in participating in voluntary carbon markets. The bill will now head to the House.
“As stewards of the land and our shared environment, U.S. potato growers have taken a seat at the table to develop voluntary solutions that reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and advance our collective sustainability efforts,” said NPC President and Maine potato grower Dominic LaJoie. “We applaud the Senate’s bipartisan approach in crafting policy that promotes cost-effective and economically sustainable farming practices, and we look forward to working with the House to advance voluntary climate solutions.”
“Addressing the climate crisis is one of the most urgent challenges we face, and our farmers and foresters are an important part of the solution,” said Senate Ag Committee Chair Stabenow (D-Mich.). “The bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act is a win-win for farmers, our economy and for our environment. Our bill is a perfect example of how we can work across the aisle and find common ground to address a critical issue affecting all of us and our future.”
“Farmers, ranchers and private forest landowners are eager to explore emerging voluntary markets that will compensate them for reducing their environmental footprint. The Growing Climate Solutions Act seeks to remove barriers that stand in their way. It will give farmers, ranchers and private forest landowners resources at USDA to learn more about the voluntary opportunities they may wish to pursue, as well as information to identify expertise that can help them implement practices to sequester carbon or reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member Boozman (R-Ark.) said. “I commend Senators Braun and Stabenow for their willingness to partner with me to make improvements to this bill before committee consideration. This bipartisan approach was key to securing Senate passage.”