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(7 February,
2002 -- Washington) Environmental Defense today praised passage of
two amendments to farm legislation in the U.S. Senate. The measures
would limit federal incentives that have led to crop surpluses, low
prices and the destruction of valuable habitat for agricultural use.
One amendment, sponsored by Senator
Richard Durbin (D-IL), limits farm subsidies for land that is
already in crop production.
"The Durbin amendment promises great
environmental benefits because it means farm programs will no longer
encourage farmers to plow up native prairies and other valuable
habitats," said Environmental Defense senior attorney Tim
Searchinger. "In the last two decades, farmers have plowed up more
than 22 million acres of grasslands, despite the fact that most
years have seen crop surpluses and low prices. This practice has led
to the increased use of fertilizer and pesticides and contributed to
the decline of many important and rare grassland birds."
"We are gratified that the Senate passed
this amendment, and Senator Durbin deserves great praise for
crafting an amendment that benefits the environment and farmers
alike," Searchinger said.
Searchinger also praised the Senate's
passage of an amendment by Senators Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Byron Dorgan (D-ND) to limit the size
of federal subsidies to individual farms.
"The Senate's endorsement of payment
limitations should also relieve some of the pressure to plant crops
on excess lands, particularly in cotton-growing reaches of the
country. Over the years, excess subsidies in this area have led to
the loss of vast areas of wetlands. This amendment not only means
greater fairness, but environmental relief as well," said
Searchinger.
### Environmental Defense, a leading national
nonprofit organization based in New York, represents more than
300,000 members. Since 1967 we have linked science, economics, and
law to create innovative, equitable, and cost-effective solutions to
the most urgent environmental problems. | 
