Article Summary –
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing about $138 million from the Inflation Reduction Act into 138 new climate-smart conservation easements to support climate-smart agriculture and forestry initiatives. The easements are part of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), which aims to conserve wetlands, grasslands, and prime farmlands. The Inflation Reduction Act allocates $19.5 billion for climate-smart agriculture and forestry activities, with ACEP receiving $1.4 billion over several years.
USDA Invests in Climate-Smart Conservation Easements
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allocating around $138 million from the Inflation Reduction Act for 138 new climate-smart conservation easements. These easements form an integral part of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and aim to conserve wetlands, grasslands, and prime farmlands. This move aligns with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) focus on lands that can help mitigate carbon dioxide, methane, or nitrous oxide emissions.
“The Inflation Reduction Act, a significant initiative under President Biden’s administration, is facilitating a record amount of conservation activities, especially through conservation easements. These easements empower farmers and ranchers with the necessary tools to safeguard sensitive landscapes like wetlands, grasslands, and prime farmland,” stated Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a press release. He also highlighted the recent improvements to the program designed to expedite processes for agricultural producers and conservation partners.
The USDA’s efforts are in line with the NRCS’s streamlining initiatives to simplify ACEP processes. The Inflation Reduction Act allots $19.5 billion for climate-smart agriculture and forestry, with ACEP receiving $1.4 billion over several years. Applications for ACEP and other NRCS programs are continually accepted, with state-specific deadlines for funding consideration.
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