Chuck Leavell Knows a Thing or Two About Carbon
Chuck is passionate about conserving America's forests, and this isn't the first time he has spoken out about how beneficial America's forests are to reducing CO2 levels in our atmosphere. Ever since he and his wife Rose Lane inherited Charlane Plantation in Dry Branch, Georgia, from her grandparents, Chuck has studied, practiced and advocated for good forest stewardship. From the halls of Congress to worldwide tours with the Rolling Stones, Chuck seeks every opportunity to share his knowledge, love of woodlands, and ways they can help reduce our carbon footprint.
Carbon credits, cap and trade, and biomass for energy are just some of the hot topics Chuck followed with great interest at the Copenhagen climate talks. When President Obama and the Sentate turn their attention again to proposed climate change legislation, providing forest owners with a modest income stream for carbon-enhancing forest activities is key. According to the EPA, America's forests can absorb as much as 20% of our carbon emissions, but as Chuck says, a third of U.S. forests are family owned and the right economic incentives must be put in place to help families and individuals achieve this.
Chuck is a longtime friend of AFF and has been helping AFF advocate for legislation currently in Congress that would benefit small family woodland owners and the environment alike. A bill introduced in November by Sen. Stabenow (D-MI), S.2729, would expand the oportunities for woodland owners to participate in emerging carbon markets and provide incentives and technical assistance for carbon-ehancing forest management activities.
Translation? Additional income opportunities for woodland owners and a cleaner air. "With the slow housing construction market, and timber prices near record lows, it's a great time to direct forest owners toward conservation-minded forest practices," says Chuck.
Helping our forests is a cost effective way to reduce CO2 in our atmosphere. Pretty important, wouldn't you agree? Getting America's forests appropriately included as part of the climate solution is one of AFF's top priorties, and we appreciate Chuck's leadership on this.
But you don’t need to be a celebrity to make a footprint on this important path. To find out more about the pending legislation on climate change and forests and send a letter to your Senator, visit us online. It only takes a few minutes to take action. Simply enter your zip code and you’re on your way to having your voice heard!
