New Bill Aims to Strengthen Research in Ag Conservation

A new bill hit the House floor on Tuesday, as the Agriculture, Natural Resource and Science, Space, and Technology Committees came together to address greenhouse gas capture and storage.

According to a joint press release, the Carbon Sequestration Collaboration Act aims to increase agriculture and forestry’s current 13% carbon capture rate by establishing more research and development programs in land use.

Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), Science, Space, and Technology Committee member, who sponsored the bill introduction, says as a farmer and rancher, he’s “well aware” of the role quality land practices can play in conserving natural resources to improve the environment.

“The Department of Energy is already doing great research on large-scale carbon sequestration opportunities, but there is a knowledge gap when it comes to making use of smaller carbon sinks like soils and rangeland,” he says. “We need an all-of-the-above approach to addressing climate change—one that makes use of our many resources.”

Ag Committee member Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) echoed Lucas’ remarks, saying a bill that directs federal agencies to work together is needed in the carbon space.

“As we continue to discuss natural solutions to address climate change, it is important to recognize the potential our soil has to sequester carbon through agriculture and forestry,” he says. “Additional research is needed to maximize the amount of carbon we can store in our soils.”

Climate conversations will continue into next week, as the House Committee on Oversight and Reform will host a hearing on Tuesday to address  Regenerative Agriculture: How Farmers and Ranchers are Essential to Solving Climate Change and Increasing Food Production.

More on climate in ag:
New Data Shows Ag’s Climate Footprint is Shrinking
World’s Largest Clean Ammonia Production Facility to be Built in Louisiana