NEWS
Short Film Makes Carbon Capture Cool
Peter Byck has directed an excellent new film featuring the Pasture Project's own Allen Williams, Gabe Brown and other grazing heroes. The film, Soil Carbon Cowboys, makes the link between rotational grazing and soil carbon sequestration both clear and compelling. It promises to be a powerful educational tool with both producers and policymakers. Watch it here then consider sharing it widely.
Proposed EPA Rules on Waterways and Carbon
The EPA has released for comment two new rules that may impact rural communities and agriculture. The first rule, "Waters of the U.S." is in response to judicial rulings that EPA's authority over upland streams, floodplains and temporary waterways was unclear. The rule, detailed here, establishes authority under the Clean Water Act for waters that are connected to and significant in their impact on more major waterways. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy has stated that “normal farming, ranching and agricultural practices” are kept intact in the proposal. “If a farmer was not legally required to have a permit before, this rule does not change that status,” she said. However, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattleman's Association and other agricultural interest groups are actively organizing to oppose the rule, concerned it establishes precedent for regulation of agricultural water use.
The second rule calls for a reduction in carbon emissions of 30% by 2030 from a 2005 baseline. While the rule appears to be aimed primarily at coal-fired power plants, the impact is likely to be felt within agriculture and in rural communities. Critics point to potential increases in fertilizer and electricity costs as direct implications for agriculture. Meanwhile, the Center for Rural Affairs and other proponents highlight the negative impacts of climate change on farming and the potential expansion of funding and support for agricultural carbon sequestration. To read more from EPA or comment on the water rule, visit their website here. For more information and to comment on the carbon rule, visit EPA's website here.
Grant Opportunities
Regional Conservation Partnership Program
USDA NRCS has just released the much anticipated Request for Proposals for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, a program developed as part of the Farm Bill to merge a series of smaller grant programs. Partnership proposals can be for as long as five years and request as much as $20 million in funds. Grazing advocates considering applying for RCPP, we would love to hear what you're thinking and help as we can with the application. To learn more about RCPP and read the Request for Proposals, click here.
MO Soil Health and Conservation Outreach Workshops
The USDA NRCS Missouri State Office is seeking to partner and support the efforts of natural resource conservation partners and to promote public awareness and implementation of Farm Bill activities. The main focus is to conduct conservation outreach workshops, conferences and training that will help educate Missouri’s farm community, private landowners, conservation organizations, cooperating agencies, and general citizenry. Grants are between $3,000 and $25,000. To read the Request for Proposals, click here.
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