Environmental Defense praised a recent agreement between Entergy and the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association (PNDSA), which will demonstrate farming methods that help to reduce global warming. PNDSA and Environmental Defense also have a cooperative agreement to investigate and encourage the adoption of environmentally beneficial farming practices.
The Entergy/PNDSA agreement begins a long-term project to quantify soil carbon and greenhouse gas reduction credits resulting from the adoption of direct seed practices by participating growers. Carbon sequestration in soils and reduced emissions of greenhouse gas pollution help to slow the buildup of these gases in the atmosphere and resulting global warming.
"This is a unique agreement that both offsets and reduces carbon dioxide emissions," said Karl Kupers, vice president of the PNDSA who farms near Harrington, Washington. "This project will allow farmers to make conservation investments that will pay off for them as well as for the planet's future."
"This is one of a number of internal and external projects Entergy is undertaking to reduce emissions and achieve its greenhouse gas target," said Dr. Marty Smith, Entergy's climate program coordinator. "Not only are emissions being avoided, but through this special project Entergy has the opportunity to make a contribution to the advancement of a whole new and more environmentally sound method of agriculture."
"This pilot project will demonstrate farming practices that protect the environment and our nation's soil resources in a sustainable manner," said Dr. Zach Willey, Environmental Defense economist. "The project can show how best to verify greenhouse gas reduction credits produced by improved farming practices and can give farmers incentives to join the fight against global warming."
Entergy, based in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, is a global energy company engaged in power production, distribution operations, and related diversified services. PNDSA, based in Pasco, Washington, USA, is a non-profit organization providing education and assistance to farmers in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and California on the adoption of low- and no-till cultural practices in farming operations.
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