Climate Change Testimony Heard

The Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee met recently to discuss the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, Farm Progress reports. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said to produce meaningful emissions reductions, an offsets program will likely require the participation of thousands of landowners. He said farmers and ranchers will need to be engaged in crafting the solution.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar talked of his department’s efforts to accelerate the development of renewable energy on its vast public lands and offshore areas, and Energy Secretary Steven Chu focused on the threat of climate change when he said overwhelming scientific evidence shows that carbon dioxide from human activity has increased its atmospheric level by roughly 40%.

During their testimony, Vilsack, Chu,
Salazar and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson endorsed the Senate’s effort to write a climate bill and backed a USDA lead role in running a carbon capture program. Vilsack said agriculture can be a winner if a carbon capture and credit trading program is “done right.”