As President Biden opened a two-day virtual climate summit Thursday, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack discussed the role USDA and agriculture will play in the administration target calling for U.S. emissions to be 50% to 52% lower in 2030 compared to 2005.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced USDA will open enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) with higher payment rates, new incentives, and a more targeted focus on the program’s role in climate change mitigation. In addition, USDA is investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities in 45 states build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship.
Secretary Vilsack held a media call Thursday to discuss the actions.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack press call 29:23
Vilsack said USDA’s investment in biofuels infrastructure announced on Earth Day is part of the climate plan.
USDA Sec. Vilsack on biofuels role in climate 1:58