Congress may soon consider a range of climate change options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Among the options being considered are those that would either mandate or authorize a cap and trade program or impose a carbon tax or fee. The House Committee on Agriculture is gathering information to help Members better understand the options available especially as they relate to agriculture and forestry.Most of the current legislative proposals would not require emission reductions in the agriculture and forestry sectors, but various proposals would allow producers to receive emission allowances to generate carbon offsets which could be sold under a cap and trade program. Depending on how it is constructed, agriculture producers and forest landowners may benefit from a carbon reduction program, and it is important Members understand the various approaches.

The questionnaire is now available on the House Agriculture website: http://agriculture.house.gov/index.shtml. The form is due to the Committee April 10, 2009.