WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), co-chairs of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, alongside Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Mike Braun (R-IN), introduced the Natural Climate Solutions Research and Extension Act. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would advance sustainable agriculture practices across the United States by making natural climate solutions a high research and extension priority at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), unlocking federal funding for farmers to protect the environment via land management practices that increase carbon storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

“As we continue to seek bipartisan climate solutions, we must leverage the important role the federal government can play in incentivizing research opportunities,” said Representative Houlahan. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a win for our research institutions whose work will help farmers and conservationists, like those in southeastern Pennsylvania, adopt sustainable practices that will protect the environment and increase climate resilience.” 

“As co-Chair of the Climate Solutions Caucus, I know how important it is to engage our natural resources to reduce carbon emissions while simultaneously supporting conservation,” said Representative Garbarino. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will provide our agricultural sector the tools necessary to engage in sustainable farming practices that will play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring a cleaner, greener environment for generations to come.” 

“The food that nourishes us should be safe for us and safe for the planet - not poisonous for our natural resources,” said Senator Markey. “Farmers and landowners should be equipped with the proper tools and knowledge to decrease emissions and combat the devastating effects of climate change. The Natural Climate Solutions Research and Extension Act will sow the seeds of a next-generation, clean agriculture sector that will lead the world in developing sustainable farming practices. I thank Senator Braun and Representatives Houlahan and Garabino for their partnership on this important legislation.” 

“Farmers are natural conservationists: they have a vested interest in preserving our land and natural resources, and this bill will fuel research for land management practices that protect our environment – rather than top-down government mandates,” said Senator Braun. 

Background:

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agriculture sector alone is responsible for ten percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, more than half of which is linked to soil and land management practices. The legislation would ensure that the science-based knowledge gained through USDA’s research program is translated into actionable strategies for farmers and landowners, enabling them to successfully implement their climate solutions on the ground. It would also lift up natural climate solutions that have co-benefits, such as promoting biodiversity and climate resilience, reducing runoff, and incorporating traditional ecological knowledge. 

Read the full text of the bill here.