For Immediate Release: June 28, 2021
Contact:
Dr. Aly Bean, Climate Campaign Coordinator, (208) 286-4326
Laura Pinover, Communications and Engagement Assistant, (208) 286-4780
Growing Climate Solutions Act passes Senate, moves to House
BOISE – On Thursday, June 24, the U.S. Senate passed the Growing Climate Solutions Act (GCSA) on a vote of 92-8. The proposal will now move on to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.
Senator Mike Crapo co-sponsored the measure and Senator Jim Risch also voted in favor.
“We were thrilled to see the overwhelming support in the Senate for this measure, which assists both farmers and foresters in Idaho. This will help lead to improved soil health, sustainability, and reduced emissions,” said Dr. Aly Bean, ICL’s climate change coordinator. “We appreciate Sen. Crapo’s leadership, Sen. Risch’s support, and encourage Reps. Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher to add their names to the bipartisan list of sponsors in the House.”
The GCSA will incentivize farmers and foresters across the country to use sustainable management practices to garner voluntary carbon credits. Land managers who implement environmentally-friendly practices that sequester carbon, reduce emissions, improve soil health, and make their operations more sustainable will receive these carbon credits.
If made into law, the GSCA involves the creation of a U.S. Department of Agriculture certification program, known as the “Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Certification Program.”. It would also establish an advisory council under the Secretary of Agriculture to provide reliable information about markets and recommendations for GHG emissions credits through “USDA certified” technical assistance providers.
Agriculture is a leading industry in the Gem State. With nearly 25,000 active farms in Idaho, this legislation would have significant impacts on our ability to cut greenhouse gases, but also keep our economy thriving.
“The only way we will succeed in combating the challenges of climate change is to work with stakeholders to find solutions that effectively address the sources and causes of this harmful threat to our environment and livelihoods,” concluded Dr. Bean.
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The Idaho Conservation League works toward our long-term goal of making Idaho carbon-neutral, protecting local communities from climate change impacts, and ensuring our state reduces its contribution to this global problem. ICL does this by advocating for clean energy, climate-friendly transportation, and agricultural practices that mitigate climate change.