Newhouse sponsors bill to innovate conservation on agricultural land

U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) on April 19 sponsored bipartisan legislation that would establish a competitive grant program for land-grant colleges and universities to support agricultural producers in adopting conservation and innovative climate practices.

“There is no one who relies more on the prosperous and fruitful natural resources from our land and is dedicated to its safekeeping than our nation’s farmers and ranchers,” Rep. Newhouse said. “Indeed, they are the reason central Washington is at the cutting edge of agricultural research and climate innovation.”

The congressman introduced the Conservation and Innovative Climate Partnership Act of 2023, H.R. 2719, which is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME), to allocate funding for land-grant institutions to partner with local farmers to boost conservation and innovative climate practices, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Newhouse’s staff.

“I am proud to introduce the Conservation and Innovative Climate Partnership Act that will provide necessary resources to local producers, land-grant universities, USDA-NRCS, and local entities so we can continue to innovate for the conservation of our agricultural land,” said Rep. Newhouse. 

If enacted, H.R. 2719 also would require land-grant institutions to partner with a non-profit, state, or federal entity; allow the partnership to conduct a variety of activities to support farming communities, such as tests to measure the effectiveness of conservation and climate smart practices; and provide $13 million in funding for four-year grants, with a maximum grant of $400,000, the summary says.

“It’s essential that we actively enlist the help of those who know the land best — farmers, producers, ranchers, and forestland owners — to cut greenhouse gas emissions,” said Rep. Pingree. “The Conservation and Innovative Climate Partnership Act will bridge the gap between farmers and innovative research, boosting innovation, combating the climate crisis, and supporting successful food and agriculture systems.”

H.R. 2719 is supported by Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions and is the companion bill to the same-named S. 900, introduced on March 21 by U.S. Sens. Todd Young (R-IN) and Tina Smith (D-MN).