Lawmakers clash over environmental regulations in stalled farm bill

The U.S. farm bill's progress is hindered by disputes over environmental rules, especially climate-related measures, delaying crucial funds for agriculture and climate initiatives.

Georgina Gustin reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

The farm bill, essential for agricultural and nutrition policy, is stalled due to partisan disagreements on climate regulations and funding.
Disputes center on the use of $18 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act for climate-related agricultural programs, with Republicans and Democrats divided on its allocation.
The bill, costing an estimated $1.5 trillion, also faces hurdles over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which accounts for 80% of its budget.

Key quote:

"It was not written to be used as a serious bill. It was written to be used as a campaign slogan."

— David Scott, ranking member of the House Committee on Agriculture

Why this matters:

The farm bill affects food security, climate resilience, and the agricultural economy. Delays in its passage risk losing significant funds for climate-smart agriculture, impacting farmers and the fight against climate change.

insideclimatenews.org

Lawmakers clash over environmental regulations in stalled farm bill

Senate moves to gut clean energy tax credits as deal nears

UN climate talks face growing backlash over corporate influence and stalled action

Climate scientist warns Earth is approaching tipping points that could reshape the planet

Extreme heat and wildfires surge across southern Europe as temperatures break records

Hotter heat waves are sticking around as the planet keeps warming

Rising seas may erase land, but not national identity, legal experts say

Old satellites vital to hurricane tracking will soon stop transmitting data

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.