Study Shows Strong Farm Bill Energy Programs Would Help Curb Global Warming

"Congress Must Invest at Least $1 Billion a Year in Energy Title to Benefit Environment, National Security and Rural America."

from FarmEnergy.org

CHICAGO, IL - A new study shows that farm-based renewable energy and energy efficiency programs in the U.S. Farm Bill could reduce greenhouse gas pollution by 57 million metric tons a year - the equivalent of eliminating the pollution from over 11 million cars.

The study, "Mitigating Global Warming through the Farm Bill," is the first to examine the potential greenhouse gas savings of the Farm Bill Energy Title. The study assumes funding of at least $1 billion a year, or $5 billion over the five-year life of the legislation, which is less than 2% of the total Farm Bill Budget. The programs in the Energy Title encourage development of farm-based and rural renewable power generation, biofuels facilities, and energy efficiency projects that provide low-carbon energy alternatives.

"Now is the time for Congress to fight global warming through innovative farm policy," said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC), which conducted the study. "In a time of rising concern over the causes and consequences of global warming, these programs can put our nation on the right track."

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