U.S. moves to cut agricultural carbon emissions
DETROIT – Federal agricultural officials are planning to announce voluntary programs and initiatives for farmers, ranchers and foresters meant to build on President Barack Obama’s efforts to combat global warming – and don’t require congressional approval.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is expected to unveil plans today at Michigan State University, where Obama signed the sweeping farm bill into law last year. The efforts, many of which have their roots in that law, aim to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, boost carbon capture and storage, and come with various enticements, including grants, low-interest loans and technical assistance.
Vilsack said the agriculture industry accounts for about 9 percent of U.S. emissions, adding that compares favorably with the rest of the globe but can be improved.
“We want to do this in a way that will help not only environment but also improve agricultural productivity with improved yields and we can also improve bottom line of producers with greater efficiency,” he said.
Obama administration aides have said the issue of climate change became even more attractive after the November election because the Democrat has considerable leverage to act without Congress. Such actions, though, have drawn fierce objections from Republicans and the energy industry.
Specific actions to be announced today include reducing the unnecessary use of fertilizer and methane emissions from cattle and swine, reforesting areas damaged by wildfire and disease, and encouraging tree planting in urban areas. For methane reduction in particular, the federal program promotes installing more anaerobic digesters, which use naturally occurring bacteria to break down organic waste to produce biogas, a fuel similar to natural gas.
Vilsack’s department estimates that if all steps are followed, it would reduce emissions and enhance carbon sequestration by roughly 120 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent – akin to taking 25 million cars off the road.