NFU to House: Pass Climate Change Legislation
For Immediate Release: June 25, 2009
Contact: 202-554-1600WASHINGTON (June 25, 2009) – National Farmers Union today urged members of the House of Representatives to vote in support of the House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, D-Minn., amendment to the American Clean Energy and Security Act.
“NFU strongly urges members of the House to support the Peterson amendment and a related manager’s amendment dealing with early actors. Upon approval, we urge members to vote in favor of the climate change legislation,” NFU President Roger Johnson said. “A strong offset program overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the recognition of early actors will ensure America’s farmers and ranchers can be a part of the climate change solution.”
NFU policy supports a national, mandatory carbon emission cap and trade system if USDA is granted control and administration of the agriculture offset program and early actors are recognized. The organization has also urged that no artificial cap be placed on domestic offsets, carbon sequestration rates are based upon science and producers are permitted to stack environmental benefit credits.
The Peterson amendment also addresses the controversial theory of indirect land use, which holds American farmers accountable for producers’ actions in foreign countries. This theory is not based on peer-reviewed science and delaying the requirement that EPA consider indirect land use will ensure continued development and success of our nation’s renewable fuels industry.
Johnson praised Peterson, Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer for their efforts. “This agreement would not have occurred without the diligent work of Chairman Peterson, members of the agriculture committee and the House leadership. I thank them all for standing up for America’s farmers and ranchers,” Johnson said.
“A strong vote in favor of agriculture offsets and approving the underlying bill is a step in the right direction. Much work remains to be done once the bill is sent to the U.S. Senate. NFU will be fully engaged and looks forward to further refining the legislation.”
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