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

$Aerial view of Marcellus Shale fracking well in Pennsylvania$

Copyright: shutterrudder/BigStock Photo ID: 53059774

Despite limited interest in drilling on federal land, US Forest Service ‘streamlines’ oil and gas leasing rules

The U.S. Forest Service announced revisions to its oil and gas leasing rules today that the agency promises “modernizes and streamlines” the permitting process to drill for fossil fuels in the nation’s forests and grasslands.

Read the Full Article on

insideclimatenews.org

Lawmakers clash over environmental regulations in stalled farm bill

Alberta, once a hotspot for renewable energy projects, sees investment 'plummet’

Houston plans to hit UN climate targets despite Paris Agreement exit

The one big beautiful prediction: The energy transition is still alive

Trump destroyed offshore wind. The Northeast can’t live without it

OK state senator seeks to rein in oil companies’ groundwater pollution

'Doomsday Clock' advances to 85 seconds till midnight

Despite limited interest in drilling on federal land, US Forest Service ‘streamlines’ oil and gas leasing rules

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.