Farm Bureau leaders from across Oklahoma literally threw their hats in the ring to show support for a national campaign fighting federal climate change legislation. During an Oct. 20 gathering in Oklahoma City, they signed “well-worn” caps with a sticker on the bill stating “Don’t Cap Our Future” referring to the damage expected if Congress passed the legislation.
“We’re concerned the legislation would dramatically increase our fertilizer and other energy costs,” said Mike Spradling, OFB President. “The legislation could lead to higher food costs and increase fuel taxes for all Americans without significantly improving our environment.”
The legislation, called cap-and-trade, would “cap” or limit so-called greenhouse gas emissions and allow companies that exceed federal emission standards to trade for credits with entities who are below the standards. The Senate currently is working on the legislation and debate is expected to carry into 2010.
Spradling said he will deliver the caps to Oklahoma’s senators.
“Our senators, Inhofe and Coburn, agree with us and we want to show support for them,” Spradling said.
Oklahoma was the first state Farm Bureau to initiate the campaign against climate change legislation.
Nationwide, American Farm Bureau is hoping to collect approximately two percent of its membership’s signatures, which would amount to more than 100,000 individuals showing opposition to the legislation.
“This is a true grassroots campaign with individual involvement,” Spradling said.
