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Senate Dems want climate change transparency

Several Democrats on the Senate Ag Committee are pressing USDA to be more transparent about its climate change research.

Michigan’s Debbie Stabenow and Minnesota’s Amy Klobuchar took to Twitter Monday to raise their frustration about recent reports that the agency is suppressing scientific studies by the Ag Research Service on the effects of climate change on ag production.

Stabenow’s staff tells Brownfield she’s sending a letter to the Ag Secretary Perdue about the need for greater transparency. The Ranking Member says its deeply irresponsible for the agency to withhold research from producers and is asking for an explanation on the USDA’s actions.

Klobuchar also sent a letter to Secretary Perdue voicing her concerns.  She says several reports have made it clear inaction on climate changes is not an option and farmers need to be empowered to be part of the solution.

One of the studies, through the University of Washington, found increased carbon dioxide levels led to diminished nutrients in rice.

ARS climate change research on nutrient runoff, prairie grass quality, pollen changes, coffee and others were also not publicized. 

All the studies have been published in scientific journals. Several other Democratic Senators have also weighed in on the issue and sent letters to USDA including Dick Durbin of Illinois and Minnesota’s Tina Smith.

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