Senator Boxer Promotes Agricultural Air Quality Program

June 19 , 2007

I recently introduced the Agricultural Air Quality Incentives Act of 2007, S.1458, to provide economic incentives to farmers who want to help in the effort to improve air quality. In California, some of our worst air quality problems occur in areas that are heavily agricultural. I believe my legislation, and the program it establishes, will help to provide incentives to help improve air quality.

My legislation would authorize USDA to provide cost-share assistance and incentives payments to farmers who undertake measures designed to reduce air quality degradation. Funding for this program would start at $25 million in the first year and increase to $100 million by the fifth year of the program.

Farmers would be eligible for funding from the Environmental Quality Incentive Program if they operate in areas with low air quality that is a result of agricultural pollution and emissions. The bill would also allow USDA to prioritize funding for areas where agricultural producers coordinate their air conservation activities.

I believe my legislation offers sensible incentives to farmers to be part of the air quality solution that will benefit communities across the nation.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

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