Representative Schrier Introduces Bill to Reduce Livestock Methane

8th District Representative Kim Schrier announced Thursday that she has introduced the Research to Reduce Agricultural Methane Act to the House of Representatives.

The legislation aims to reduce methane emissions in livestock by funding innovative studies into the problem.

According to the EPA, ruminants like cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats represent the largest human-caused source of methane in the United States, about 28%.

In a press release, Schrier said, "Our farmers are the leading stewards of our land and on the front lines fighting climate change. While they are already innovating with solutions like no-till farming and increased cover crop adoption, we must provide more federal research support and ensure any game-changing products are accessible to our farmers and ranchers. As the only member on the Agriculture Committee from the Pacific Northwest, I will continue to work on common sense solutions that support our farmers while helping to address climate change."

Areas of research that would be funded by the Research to Reduce Agricultural Methane Act include feed additives (including seaweed), feeding regimes, grain-to-forage ratio, pellet feed, and enzyme use.