The Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday passed the Growing Climate Solutions Act by a unanimous voice vote.
The bill, first introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) in the 116th Congress, would create a verification program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) where certified third parties could provide technical assistance to and audit farming operations to determine if the practices being used would generate a carbon or other greenhouse gas “credit.” USDA would administer a new website to provide information and resources to producers interested in participating in existing carbon markets. The program is voluntary.
Sen. Stabenow, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, on Tuesday reintroduced the bill alongside Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN). The bill has 42 cosponsors, evenly split by Democrats and Republicans.
The bill could now be considered by the full Senate, where it would need 60 votes for passage.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) introduced companion legislation in the House with 22 initial cosponsors. The bill has not been considered by a House committee of jurisdiction and would require 216 votes for passage, due to five current vacancies in the House.
