NFU Statement: Senate Climate Change Bill
For Immediate Release: September 30, 2009
Contact: 202-554-1600WASHINGTON (Sept. 30, 2009) – Sens. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and John Kerry, D-Mass., today unveiled draft climate change and energy legislation. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson made the following statement.
“It is important the U.S. Senate begin the process of developing climate change and renewable energy legislation. However, the language unveiled today fails to address the unique role agriculture can play.
“Since this debate began nearly two years ago, NFU has been clear in expressing our support for a national, mandatory carbon emission cap and trade system if a number of core principles are met: the U.S. Department of Agriculture is granted control and administration of the agriculture offset program; early actors are recognized; no artificial cap is placed on domestic offsets; carbon sequestration rates are based upon science; and producers are permitted to stack environmental benefit credits. The draft Boxer-Kerry language fails to address these provisions.
“NFU was proud to support the American Clean Energy and Security Act in the House of Representatives because it addressed our priorities. We remain committed to working with members of the Senate to ensure America’s farmers and ranchers can be a part of the climate change solution.”
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