America’s family farmers and ranchers have a unique role to play when it comes to combating global climate change. Congressman Baron Hill understands that and I thank him for his vote in support of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. As President Barack Obama said about the legislation’s passage, it is a “bold and necessary step.”

Farmers Union supports a national, mandatory carbon emission cap-and-trade system to reduce nonfarm greenhouse gas emissions. As an energy-intensive industry, we know that doing so will result in increased production costs. However, the flexible agricultural offset program within the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 will allow producers to mitigate some of these increased costs by adopting environmentally friendly practices. This will allow American farmers and ranchers to continue to provide consumers with the most affordable and abundant food supply in the world.

Failing to pass climate change legislation is not an option. Without congressional action, the Environmental Protection Agency is poised to act. This regulatory action would mean the positive provisions within the legislation would be lost.

Jim Benham

President, Indiana Farmers Union

Versailles