East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Michael Bennet, Tammy Baldwin, and Jerry Moran have introduced the Enteric Methane Innovation Tools for Lower Emissions and Sustainable Stock (EMIT LESS) Act aimed at reducing methane emissions from dairy and beef cattle across family farms and ranches in the United States.

Senator Crapo expressed his support for the legislation, stating, “Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of Idaho’s economy. I proudly support this legislation that advances agricultural technology, invests in local ecology and provides hands-on training for the most up-to-date practices in the field.”

Senator Bennet highlighted the importance of the bill for Colorado, saying, “This bill will help Colorado’s cattlemen and livestock producers access every available tool to voluntarily reduce methane emissions, expand research into this field, and improve the sustainability of their farms and ranches.”

Senator Baldwin emphasized the need to support farmers in reducing emissions, stating, “We need to give [farmers] all the tools they need to succeed, including supporting the innovative practices for farmers that want to reduce their emissions.”

Senator Moran also stressed the importance of the legislation, saying, “New research and ranching practices are showing promising results to reduce methane emissions and keep our farms and ranches thriving.”

The EMIT LESS Act focuses on addressing enteric methane emissions by expanding research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for products and practices that reduce these emissions and creating voluntary incentives through conservation programs to help farmers and ranchers adopt these tools.

Various organizations have shown their support for the bill, including the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, Darigold, National Milk Producers Federation, Dairy Farmers of America, and the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance.

The bipartisan effort has received praise from stakeholders and industry representatives who believe that the EMIT LESS Act will provide important resources and incentives for farmers to reduce methane emissions voluntarily.

The bill has garnered support from a wide range of organizations and stakeholders in the agricultural sector, all recognizing the importance of reducing methane emissions from livestock for the sustainability of the industry and the environment.