The Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2021 was passed by the Senate June 24 on a vote of 92-8.
The legislation was introduced in late April by Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) with 54 other cosponsors. The bill provides clarity and guidance for those interested in voluntary participation in private carbon credit markets and would create a certification program through USDA to combat technical entry barriers.
The House of Representatives is currently working on companion legislation, which was introduced by Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-7) and 32 cosponsors.
The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance—which comprises more than 75 industry groups—has expressed its support for the measure. “We encourage members of the House to follow the Senate’s lead and work in a bipartisan manner to create responsible policy that protects the environment and protects the farmers and ranchers who rely on clean air and water to feed the nation,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall in a released statement.
