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CCC funding could be used to help establish carbon bank

Commodity Credit Corporation funds might be used to incentivize farmers to reduce carbon emissions.

Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow told reporters Thursday utilizing CCC to establish a carbon bank is something she will discuss with incoming Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack.

“Some investment through the CCC could be part of that,” Stabenow said. “I’m going to be talking to him more about plans, the dollars available and so on.”

Stabenow said she believes Vilsack has the authority to leverage CCC funds for a climate program without additional legislation.

“Traditionally CCC has paid for part of the important programs in the farm bill but also the last USDA certainly broadened that tremendously in terms of the ad hoc payments,” she said.

Vilsack’s Senate confirmation hearing is Tuesday.

Nicole Heslip contributed to this article.