US agriculture interests split over climate bill

OMAHA, Neb.

Those who are against the bill say it would lead to skyrocketing fuel and fertilizer costs, cutting into farmers’ and ranchers’ already unpredictable profits. Those who support it contend any losses would be more than made up for through a provision that would allow companies to meet their pollution targets by investing in offset projects, such as farms that capture methane or plant trees.

The legislation would cap emissions from major industrial sources, including power plants, factories, refineries and electricity and natural gas distributors. Emissions from agriculture would be excluded.

AP