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Implications of carbon reduction plan for Nebraska ag

The EPA’s proposal to reduce carbon emissions from existing U.S. power plants by 30 percent by 2030 has both short-term and long-term implications for Nebraska agriculture.

So says Nebraska Extension water and ag law specialist Dave Aiken.

“In the short term, we’ve got to watch what happens with natural gas. If more of that goes into electricity production, then that could affect fertilizer prices,” Aiken says, “and, if there’s an increased interest in wind development, then we should get ourselves ready to take advantage of that here in Nebraska.”

Aiken says there could be long-term implications as well.

“We may look at confined livestock operations putting in waste-to-energy add-ons, where they can generate electricity and sell it,” he says. “In addition, we may see a comeback of some of the Chicago climate exchange contracts for soil sequestration through enhanced pasture management.”

Under the EPA’s plan, Aiken says, Nebraska would be required to cut carbon emissions by 26 percent.

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