Climate Action Now Act
Floor Speech
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Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
My amendment would support farmers and ranchers who employ agricultural practices that help us meet the goals and ambitions of the Paris Agreement.
In order to combat climate change, we are all going to have to work together. Ours is a country that has already banded together to take on the greatest challenges of our times, and this is no exception. This is a time for the United States to not just partner, but to lead the world in protecting this planet for our children and future generations.
Now, farmers and ranchers are on the front line of the climate crisis, and they are stepping up. Droughts, fires, and floods are threatening their safety and their livelihoods. My time on the Agriculture Committee and time spent with growers in my district have shown me that farmers are deeply invested in addressing our climate and are eager to be part of the solution.
Farmers are already expanding no-till practices, rotating crops, and planting cover crops to sequester carbon, fix nitrogen and other soil nutrients, and reduce erosion. With that healthier soil packed with organic matter, they are decreasing their reliance on fossil fuel-based fertilizers, increasing yields, saving water, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
We must recognize and celebrate the contributions of our farmers who engage in sustainable ag practices. My amendment would support this agricultural ingenuity and creativity and prevent this administration from standing in the way of farmers and ranchers who are fighting climate change.
The climate crisis is an urgent matter, and there isn't one silver bullet. Let's recognize that the solution will require something from all of us and support our farmers who can make a tremendous dent in CO
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Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Chairman, I would just like to reiterate that it is so important that we all step up.
When I hear my colleagues talking about jobs, needing to do other things, waiting, this is too advanced. It is frustrating to see that 2 years passed and we saw absolutely no legislation to protect our climate. Kicking the can down the road further just puts our future in peril, along with the future of our children.
So I would ask for that step of faith that we will protect jobs. I am happy to say that H.R. 9 specifically notes that, in addressing our changing climate, this will create jobs, clean energy jobs, and you can rest assured that our economy will flourish with addressing our climate.
Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
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