Rockland Reporter

Representatives Mike Lawler and Jennifer L. McClellan have reintroduced H.R. 641, the Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to enhance federal efforts in soil carbon sequestration research and monitoring.

Soil carbon sequestration involves practices that enable soil to absorb carbon, offering benefits to farmers and the environment by making farms more resilient to climate change impacts. Experts estimate that soil can store up to 5 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide annually worldwide, potentially preventing about 13 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere.

"Soil carbon sequestration is a game-changer," said Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17). "The bipartisan Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act ensures that we maximize this technology to support farmers, strengthen food security, and build a sustainable future."

Rep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) emphasized agriculture's significance in Virginia, noting the increasing climate change impacts on farmers: "I am taking action to protect our agricultural communities by reintroducing the bipartisan Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act as my first bill of the 119th Congress."

The bill was initially introduced in the 118th Congress and seeks to establish an Interagency Committee on Soil Carbon Research led by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. It also directs this committee to create a strategic plan for federal research related to soil carbon sequestration.

The act has received endorsements from several organizations including Carbon180, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Union of Concerned Scientists, and Appalachian Voices.

Mary Olive from Carbon180 highlighted the need for coordinated efforts: "To unlock the potential of soil carbon, we need a coordinated, large-scale effort across federal agencies." Michele Stockwell from BPC Action praised the bipartisan leadership on this initiative: "This research will help the U.S. agriculture sector better understand how to increase soil health."

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District which includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.