A Senate subcommittee approved nearly 100 budget provisions on natural resources and climate change on Tuesday, advancing a number of packages totaling several billion dollars. This includes the Senate’s sustainable ag package and cap-and-trade spending on ag programs.
A number of environmental groups voiced opposition to the $60 million proposed for dairy digester grants, arguing the natural gas facilities would add to climate emissions and local air pollution. In response, Michael Boccadoro of the Agricultural Energy Consumers Association unpacked yet more promising statistics on the program.
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It has garnered just 1.5% of the $13 billion invested into emissions reduction programs from cap-and-trade funds. Yet it has generated 29% of the returns on that investment.
“Arguments to not fund this program are misguided and contrary to the state climate policy goals,” Boccadoro told the lawmakers, as he requested more funding.
