Stabenow Leads Passage of Growing Climate Solutions Act

WASHINGTON – The Growing Climate Solutions Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of 52 U.S. Senators, passed the Senate. The legislation provides resources and incentives to help farmers and foresters scale up conservation practices on their land to benefit the environment and generate new sources of income through carbon markets at the same time.

“Climate change is affecting Michigan farmers, foresters, and rural communities at every turn. Right now, 90 percent of Michigan is in a drought, and whether it’s the early thaws and freezes that have hurt our cherry crop, the flooding that is eroding our shoreline, or the pests that harm our forests, Michigan producers are looking for solutions,” said Senator Stabenow. “The Growing Climate Solutions Act provides the resources and expertise to help our growers address this crisis.  It is another important part of my commitment to supporting Michigan farmers and foresters as they lead the way in addressing the climate crisis through effective conservation efforts.”

In addition, more than 175 national farm organizations, food and agriculture companies, and environmental advocates have expressed their support for the bill.

“Climate change poses an immediate threat to the precious natural resources we all depend on in Michigan – not to mention our health, economy and national security,” said Senator Peters. “This legislation will not only provide support to our farmers, ranchers, and foresters seeking to implement climate and environmentally conscious practices – it will also bolster our nation’s agriculture sector, which is critical to our economy and success in combatting climate change. I am proud to help pass this bipartisan bill championed by Senator Stabenow that will help strengthen our climate resiliency.”

“Today’s strong bipartisan approval of the Growing Climate Solutions Act recognizes and rewards climate solutions being delivered every day by our nation’s farmers, agribusinesses and rural communities. We appreciate Senator Debbie Stabenow and Senator Mike Braun for leading the way on a bipartisan proposal that values the innovative mindset and entrepreneurial spirit of our agriculture sector in the fight against climate change. Michigan agriculture will benefit from this measure, and we are hopeful it will be taken up and approved by the U.S. House as soon as possible,” said Chuck Lippstreu, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association.

“We applaud Senate passage of the bi-partisan Growing Climate Solutions Act that advances voluntary climate initiatives and provides farmers the science and support they are seeking as they transition to more climate resilient practices. As part of our Kellogg’s® Better Days purpose platform, Kellogg has collaborated with The Nature Conservancy to provide incentives to farmers to implement regenerative agriculture practices on 67,000 acres of Michigan farmland, preventing almost 3,900 tons of soil runoff from entering the Saginaw Bay Watershed since 2015,” said Amy Senter, VP & Chief Sustainability Officer, Kellogg’s.

“Michigan Farm Bureau applauds Senator Stabenow and her colleagues for passing the bipartisan, Growing Climate Solutions Act. Michigan farmers have been at the forefront with conservation stewardship, and this important legislation will allow them to take the next step as they navigate developing carbon markets. This legislation will create a vital USDA certification program to help solve technical entry barriers for farmers and forest landowners who wish to participate in voluntary carbon credit markets, by providing more clarity and guidance to provide the ecosystem services that many consumers and businesses are desiring. Michigan Farm Bureau is a member of the Food and Ag Climate Alliance and will continue to work with partners and Congress to best represent the unique needs of Michigan farmers on voluntary- based conservation efforts and climate-related policy discussions,” said Carl Bednarski, President, Michigan Farm Bureau.

“We applaud Senator Stabenow’s leadership on the bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act.  This is a big win for addressing climate impacts through Michigan agriculture, forestry and conservation. Farmers and foresters play an important role in reducing carbon emissions, and the provisions in this bill will help them better navigate the complexities of new carbon markets.” Madhu Anderson, Director of Governmental Relations, The Nature Conservancy in Michigan.

“Michigan State University is deeply committed to sustainable and climate-smart practices across our campus as our faculty engage in agricultural and energy research that can mitigate climate change. Through our research and outreach, MSU supports farmers and foresters working to safeguard our environment. The Growing Climate Solutions Act could help more Michigan producers become part of the solution by accessing new economic opportunities for storing carbon. I applaud Senators Stabenow and Braun for championing this common sense, bipartisan step forward and offer my congratulations upon Senate passage,” Samuel Stanley, President, Michigan State University.

“We applaud the passage of the Growing Climate Solutions Act introduced by Senators Debbie Stabenow and Mike Braun. Dairy farmers utilize many conservation practices related to sequestering carbon in the soil. The proposed legislation would facilitate interaction with private entities looking for offsets to their carbon footprint.  Dairy farmers look forward to being rewarded for their conservation efforts and continuing to play a role in environmental stewardship,” said Sheila Burkhardt, Sr. Director, Member and Government Relations, Michigan Milk Producers.

In addition, more than 175 national farm organizations, food and agriculture companies, and environmental advocates have expressed their support for the bill.

###