Agriculture Committees hold climate change hearings

There’s no question that climate change will be a major theme in the 117th Congress. On February 24, the House Agriculture Committee held its very first hearing on the topic, “Climate Change and the U.S. Agriculture and Forestry Sectors.” Then two weeks later, the Senate Agriculture Committee followed suit with its first hearing, “Farmers and Foresters: Opportunities to Lead in Tackling Climate Change.” Both hearings focused on how farmers, ranchers, and foresters can be a part of the solution to the climate crisis, emphasizing the progress American agriculture has made in reducing its environmental impact, while stressing that new programs must be flexible, voluntary and farmer-focused.

For both hearings, the Committees allowed for Outside Witness Testimony where stakeholder groups could submit official comments that would be included as a part of the committee record. With the help of the three Science Policy Committees, ASA, CSSA, and SSSA submitted testimony emphasizing the critical role American agriculture and forestry can play in addressing climate change. The comments focused on carbon sequestration, expanding conservation programs, diversifying cropping systems, and investing in research and extension. Our testimony also stressed that implementing science-based policies and arming producers with new tools, new markets, and stronger incentives will enable rural Americans view themselves as an essential partner in America’s flight against climate change. Read the testimony submitted to the House and Senate committees.