As we approach the 2024 Senate elections in Pennsylvania, it is essential that we rally behind the Democratic candidate who has proven his commitment to the people of the state time and time again. That candidate is none other than Bob Casey.

Bob Casey has been a strong voice for the people of Pennsylvania since he was first elected to the Senate in 2006. He has fought tirelessly to protect the rights of working families, support small businesses, and promote economic growth across the state. He has been a champion of healthcare reform, advocating for accessible and affordable healthcare for all Pennsylvanians.

Throughout his years in the Senate, Bob Casey has consistently prioritized the needs of his constituents over partisan politics. He has worked across the aisle to find common ground and pass legislation that benefits the people of Pennsylvania. He has also been a vocal advocate for women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and civil rights.

As we look towards the future, it is crucial that we have leaders like Bob Casey in the Senate. He has proven time and time again that he has the experience, dedication, and passion to fight for the people of Pennsylvania and make a real difference in their lives.

So, let's come together and
show our support for Bob Casey as he runs for Senate in 2024. Together, we can
ensure that our voices are heard and that Pennsylvania continues to have a
strong and effective leader in the Senate.

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December 5, 2023

Casey, Braun, Stabenow Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Rural Family Foresters to Access New Economic Opportunities

Small family-owned woodlands make up more than a third of U.S. forests Small-scale and family-owned forests are often left out of financial opportunities; legislation would open doors for these foresters to access carbon market Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, introduced bipartisan legislation to provide economic opportunities to small-scale, family foresters by allowing them to benefit from the sustainable, voluntary steps they are taking to manage their land. Family forest owners are often left out of the financial opportunities available to larger forests as companies look for ways to offset their environmental footprint. The Rural Forest Markets Act will help smaller foresters overcome financial barriers to innovative marketplaces, create new forestry jobs, and incentivize private investment in the success of rural communities while improving the environment by supporting various carbon reduction efforts. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1) and Congressman William Timmons (R-SC-4). “Small family foresters have long been at the forefront of carbon reductions efforts,” said Senator Casey. “They should be able to profit off of their conversation and sustainability efforts, just are larger-scale foresters do now. This Rural Forest Markets Act will help them maximize the carbon benefits of their forests while ensuring the health of Pennsylvania woodlands.” “As a tree farmer myself, I know sustainable forest management represents both a win for conservationists and all Americans,” said Senator Braun. “I’m proud to join Senators Casey and Stabenow to reintroduce the Rural Forests Markets Act because it’s a low-overhead solution that takes advantage of private investment to notch a win for small family foresters and the environment.” “Big or small, our forests are an important part of tackling the climate crisis,” said Chairwoman Stabenow. "For too long, there have been barriers that prevent family foresters from being able to take advantage of the economic benefits of their carbon reduction efforts. This bipartisan legislation changes that by removing those barriers and ensuring that they can tap into new markets and be rewarded for their climate-smart practices.” Voluntary carbon markets enable companies, local governments, and other organizations to offset their carbon footprint by investing in large-scale environmental projects that remove or store a corresponding amount of carbon from the atmosphere. For forest landowners, participating in carbon markets provides an opportunity to earn additional income while improving forest health and mitigating climate change. However, family forest landowners are often unable to enter the carbon marketplace due to high, upfront costs. The Rural Forest Markets Act will create a program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to guarantee loans, bonds, or other investment vehicles for projects, such as the Family Forest Carbon Program, that assist private forest owners in overcoming financial and technical barriers in entering carbon markets. Read more about the Rural Forest Markets Act here. ###

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