USDA is seeking public comment on the implementation of the SUSTAINS Act, which incentivizes the private sector to support federal conservation programs by matching agency funds.
The SUSTAINS Act was signed into law through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, and was championed by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa.
“Agriculture is at the forefront of the nation’s effort to conserve our natural resources, and we want to hear from people on the ground how to implement this legislation to maximize its benefits, promote equity and assist all producers,” Terry Cosby, chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, said in a release.
The legislation allows the private sector to help fund the implementation of conservation practices to sequester carbon, protect drinking water and improve wildlife habitat. The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, Regional Conservation Partnership Program, Emergency Watersheds Protection Program are included under the bill.
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The agency is looking for public input on how to use private funding to address specific natural resource concerns. The request for information, which was scheduled to be published in the Federal Register Friday, includes questions on the program prioritization, administration, environmental benefit accounting and producer interest and participation.
NRCS is particularly interested in improving program delivery by dedicating the additional funds to increase outreach and access to underserved producers, according to the RFI notice.
Interested parties can submit comments by Sept. 16.