Young’s bipartisan bill provides natural climate solutions to decrease carbon emissions

U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) on Dec. 9 helped introduce the bipartisan Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act to support America’s reduction of carbon emissions.

“I have long held the position that we can protect our environment without harming our economy,” Sen. Young said, “and this legislation is one example of the type of action we can take to reduce emissions and protect our natural resources while creating new economic opportunities.”

S. 4985, which Sen. Young introduced with U.S. Sens. Mike Braun (R-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Angus King (I-ME), would establish forestry policies to facilitate reforestation, conservation, international cooperation, and other ecologically sound management practices that reduce atmospheric carbon, according to the congressional record bill summary.

If enacted, the measure would support efforts by the United States, in partnership with the One Trillion Trees Initiative, to encourage the sustainable management, restoration and conservation of global forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal habitats, the summary says.

This would be done by authorizing the creation of the nonprofit International Forest Foundation to encourage and accept donations in support of international reforestation, restoration and deforestation prevention efforts, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Young’s office. 

Additionally, the bill would authorize $10 million for U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Nursery Revival programs to increase the domestic planting of more seeds and saplings; authorize the U.S. Secretary of State and USAID to increase their forest management efforts with other nations; and amend existing international conservation programs to include carbon sequestration and forest management among the list of approved technical assistance categories, according to the one-page summary.

The bill has been endorsed by The Nature Conservancy, the National Wildlife Federation, the Environmental Defense Fund, the World Wildlife Fund, the National Audubon Society, the Bipartisan Policy Center, the American Forest Foundation, the American Conservation Coalition, the National Association of State Foresters, Conservation International, and Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions.