Support for the Climate Stewardship Act

August 8, 2019

As a member of the National Organic Coalition (NOC), PCC endorsed the Climate Stewardship Act of 2019, sponsored by U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). The Act takes bold climate action through a collection of agricultural and conservation projects.

The Climate Stewardship Act would provide federal-level legislation aimed at carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change by engaging farmers and aggressively restoring forests and wetland habitats. The Act also seeks to enhance rural communities through job creation, biodiversity enhancement and agricultural resilience.

Data shows currently, U.S. soils, forests and wetlands sequester about 11% of all U.S. emissions, but there is immense potential for increased sequestration. The Climate Stewardship Act would realize this potential through reforestation, wetland restoration and renewable energy and carbon sequestration projects on farmland. The bill does not establish any new initiatives to accomplish these goals, but utilizes existing programs established within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Agriculture, and the Farm Bill. It stipulates additional funding to these programs to expand their engagement and success.

Supporting meaningful legislation to address climate change and build resilient agricultural systems are both top priorities for PCC. As a grocery retailer, we see the impacts that extreme weather events and a shifting climate can have on farm productivity and the ability to grow food. Reducing carbon emissions and restoring natural ecosystems mitigates the impacts of extreme weather events, creating health environments, robust food systems and strong communities.