Climate Legislation

 It seems unlikely that the senate will vote on climate change legislation this year, but those concerned about the economic impact of the bill suspect it will still get a lot of attention due to the upcoming United Nations meeting in Copenhagen on the issue. “We do not expect to have anything in place until the U.N. meets in Copenhagen this December.” But American Farm Bureau regulatory specialist Rick Krause says he suspects the White House will point to climate legislation that passed the house, the bill that is in the senate and pending rules from the environmental protection agency as proof that the U.S. is working on the issue.  But Krause says the U.S. shouldn’t do anything until all countries step up to the plate.

  “There has to be an international agreement where all countries agree to reduce emissions in the same manner in order for this to have any impact on climate. Also we need to have some provisions in there for increased production of energy, something that would fill the void left when fossil fuels come out of the economy. It will cost farmers and ranchers significantly in higher fuel, fertilizer and energy costs.  We think the economic impacts that this bill or these bills will impose on farmers, ranchers and the economy outweigh the potential benefits.”    Nuclear and bio-fuel are on the table.