By Hank Russell
A local representative expressed support for a bicameral piece of legislation that he said would provide farmers, foresters, and landowners with additional resources and research to improve land management practices and strengthen conservation efforts.
U.S. Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Patchogue) joined Senator Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pennsylvania) in reintroducing the Natural Climate Solutions Research and Extension Act for a vote. Markey, who is also a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, introduced the bill.
The Act would amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to provide for high-priority research and extension grants made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for natural climate solutions, and for other purposes. It would also provide farmers, foresters, and landowners with additional resources and research to improve land management practices and strengthen conservation efforts.
Natural climate solutions, or land management practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, include cost-effective practices such as wetland restoration, reforestation, cover crop planting, or rotational grazing. The Climate Solutions Caucus cited data from the Environmental Protection Agency, which found that the agriculture sector alone is responsible for 10% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, more than half of which is linked to soil and land management practices.
Markey said this bill “will plant the American agricultural sector at the forefront of global sustainable land management and grow a new generation of climate-smart agricultural practices.”
Garbarino introduced the original version of the bill along with Houlahan in 2023, but it languished in committee.
“Farmers and landowners play a critical role in protecting our natural resources, and they should have access to the best research and tools available to help them do that work,” Garbarino added. “This legislation would support practical conservation practices and help ensure that the USDA invests in solutions that work for producers and communities alike.”