INDIANAPOLIS–On Monday, the Indiana Senate approved Senate Bill (SB) 368, authored by State Senator Mark Stoops (D-Bloomington) with a vote of 38-9. The proposal urges that a 2020 interim committee study the benefits of carbon sequestration, a process that reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Sen. Stoops gave the following response to the passage of his bill:

“SB 368 would task the legislature with studying how industries can invest in conserving Indiana forest land and reforestation as well as studying farming methods that improve farmland soil health through carbon farming. If passed, the legislature will consider potential legislation to promote carbon sequestration including allowing businesses to offset their carbon emissions by making contributions to the Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust Fund for expanding forests in Indiana.

“I’m happy that my colleagues in the Senate have helped me advance this important legislation. Ultimately this process would help to reduce Indiana’s carbon footprint, gain valuable preservation of Hoosier forests and improve farming techniques and soil health throughout the state. The strong bipartisan support this bill has garnered is promising, and I’m hopeful that my bill will find similar support in the House.“

SB 368 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.