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The Federal Government’s Role in Furthering Positive Climate Impact

Published: January 22, 2025 by Allyah Keith, Project Associate

The environmental policy landscape has been bustling with activity since the re-election of President Donald Trump. In preparation for the new administration, particular attention has been given to policies intersecting with the climate agenda at both the federal and state level. The increasing integration of environmental policy across all tiers of government highlights the importance of continued support for legislation that advances climate action and funding for conservation programs across the country.

Farm Bill Extended

At the end of 2024, the 118th Congress passed a stopgap funding package extending government funding through March, which included renewing the Farm Bill for an additional year. Each year, the Farm Bill provides billions of dollars in critical aid to support essential agricultural and nutrition programs. It also offers significant land stewardship incentives including funding for conservation easements and cost-sharing programs for landowners adopting climate-smart practices. With the 119th Congress now in session and a Republican trifecta in the House, Senate, and White House, we hope to see support for the passage of a new five-year Farm Bill that continues to recognize the importance of upholding robust funding for landowners and producers to engage with these programs. Given the crucial role ranchers, farmers, and forest landowners play in mitigating climate impacts, it would be extremely significant for Congress to include programs and financial support in the next Bill that would reduce barriers for rural landowners interested in accessing carbon markets – a natural climate solution. However, as climate priorities continue to be discussed, it will be interesting to see how the incoming administration deals with a host of other bills containing support of carbon markets and conservation programs. 

Climate Trust Executive Director Appointed to USDA’s GHG Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program Advisory Council

We are excited to announce the appointment of our very own Julius Pasay to the USDA’s Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program Advisory Council. This inaugural council will include representatives from industry, academia, independent researchers, and both public and private entities.

The Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Certification Program was established by the USDA under the Growing Climate Solutions Act (GSCA) to connect vetted providers and third-party verifiers with farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who are seeking to participate in environmental credit markets. This past summer, our team contributed feedback to the USDA’s Request for Information (RFI), which sought public input on the establishment of a public register for the program. Our comments addressed key inquiries, including defining critical terms for program evaluation, identifying the metrics and standards to be used, understanding current protocols and methodologies, and ways to implement the program.

The program designates the USDA as responsible for creating an advisory council to make recommendations regarding environmental market programs and qualifications, industry standards, and guidelines for voluntary participation in environmental credit markets. 

US Withdraws from Paris Agreement

As of January 20, the United States has announced its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Recent developments in Articles 6.2 and 6.4 make participation in the UN-backed carbon market a revitalized pathway for mitigating climate impact—one where the United States could play a significant role. Under the prior administration, the US pledged to reduce economy-wide emissions by 61-66% to pre-2005 levels by 2035, which would be a meaningful step towards global emissions reductions goals (1). Based on current estimates, the United States has achieved its 2020 target and is on track to achieve 26-28 percent emissions reductions below 2005 levels by this year, as originally set in 2015 (2). As one of the top contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, it is crucial for the United States to demonstrate global leadership in addressing climate change and participating in the international treaty.

Department of Energy Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage Funding 

The US Department of Energy (DOE) also recently allocated $3.5 billion for carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The first funding opportunity offers up to $1.3 billion for point-source carbon capture and storage projects, $1.8 billion for designing, developing, and operating direct air capture centers, and up to $500 million for enhanced CO2 transportation networks (3).  

As the month progresses, we anticipate a range of updates from the incoming administration and as market developments unfold. Follow The Climate Trust on LinkedIn for industry news and updates. 

1. FACT SHEET | The White House

2. United States NDC

3. DOE announces over $3.5 billion in carbon management funding opportunities