Stefanik Helps Introduce the Growing Climate Solutions Act

Press Release

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is an original cosponsor of the Growing Climate Solutions Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that is being introduced by Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) and Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02). This legislation will create a Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Certification Program at USDA to set standards for carbon-sequestration markets. It seeks to help farmers, ranchers, and foresters participate in the voluntary carbon market by connecting them to private sector actors who can monetize their sustainable farming practices. More than 50 industry groups support this legislation. A Senate companion bill was introduced by Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN), also a committee member.

"This bipartisan bill will help our North Country famers continue their tradition of successful participation in conservation programs and being responsible stewards of the land," said Congresswoman Stefanik. "I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation, which will help reduce the barriers to market entry for our farmers and promote sustainable farming practices through a new USDA program. Farmers are the original environmentalists, and I look forward to furthering this effort along with my colleagues to aid farmers who are seeking enrollment in the carbon marketplace."

"The bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act will provide a helpful boost to dairy farmers as they work to participate in environmental markets," said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation. "We commend Rep. Stefanik for cosponsoring this important bill."

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