The U.S. Senate has approved the Growing Climate Solutions Act legislation by a wide margin of 92 in favor and 8 against. The Center for Rural Affairs backs the measure. Rural Affairs Senior Policy Associate Kayla Bergman says the bill standardizes carbon payment programs that farmers need and want to utilize.

She says its positive the legislation calls for voluntary based climate solutions that producers can utilize.

Bergman says they’ll be working to get the companion bill in the House approved.

The Growing Climate Solutions Act will establish a certification program through the USDA for private parties who work with producers to receive payments for carbon sequestration.