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USDA’s carbon verifier proposed rule possible before 2025

An ag lobbyist says she expects to see a proposed rule from USDA soon as the agency works to create a new carbon market verification program.

Samantha Buchalter with the Russell Group helps manage the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance.

“We’re all working together to advance voluntary and incentive-based policies,” she says.

The USDA recently closed the public comment period for considering protocols for a new Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program as part of the Growing Climate Solutions Act.

Buchalter says the turnaround for a proposal could be quick in an election year.

“We noticed there was a 30-day comment period, and we understand that the department was working on a pretty tight timeline in order to make this rule making process happen,” she says. “I think all eyes are on what they will do before the end of this year to get this program up and running.”

Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance is also requesting USDA advance science-based outcomes and promote resiliency to help rural economies better adapt to climate change.

The alliance wants transparency, interagency coordination, and USDA to establish an advisory council of stakeholders including farmers to provide input in establishing a program.

More than 90 state and national agricultural and environmental organizations make up the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance including the American Farm Bureau Federation and Environmental Defense Fund.

AUDIO: Samantha Buchalter, Russell Group