Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C.— As Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today questioned US. Forest Service Chief Victoria Christiansen about how her agency is working with other land agencies to expand carbon sequestration on public lands. A video of today’s full Subcommittee hearing is available for viewing here

“The President’s efforts to combat climate change are not only dependent on efforts to reduce the source of greenhouse gas emissions, but also to preserve our resources which sequester carbon. These efforts include the 30 x 30 goal of conserving 30 percent of our natural lands and waters by 2030. Our forests are one of the most important carbon sinks – they play a central part in our conservation plan. How are you working collaboratively with other land management agencies to give us a comprehensive picture of the state of carbon sequestration on public lands?” Chairwoman Chellie Pingree asked US. Forest Service Chief Victoria Christiansen in today’s hearing. Christiansen said America’s 766 million acres of forests, as well as urban trees and harvested forest products, offset 14% of greenhouse gas emissions annually in the US. Christiansen also highlighted the work of USDA’s Regional Climate Hubs, a centerpiece of Pingree’s Agriculture Resilience Act, in helping forest and agricultural landowners to build climate resilience.

Video of Chair Pingree’s opening statement as well as her hearing questions and Chief Christiansen’s responses are available for download here.

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