Rural Development

Piloted in Minnesota, the Rural Climate Dialogues began from the idea that rural citizens hold the solutions for addressing climate change in their communities. Our intensive work in three communities (Winona, Grand Rapids and Morris) has been globally recognized by the International Association for Public Participation as a creative and innovative form of community engagement that is empowering rural communities to take leadership in the transition to clean energy.

Sign-on letter to Congress addressing corporate control in agricultural markets and anti-competitive business structures

New Climate Bill Promotes 100% Clean Energy, Keeps Equity Central

The newly introduced Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act (OFF Act) is the most aggressive climate proposal to come out of the U.S. to date.

California's cap-and-trade extension puts industry ahead of environmental justice

Last week, California governor Jerry Brown signed legislation to extend California’s cap-and-trade program to 2030 rather than letting it expire in 2020.

Don't Believe the Carbon Market Hype

Introduction The effects of climate change are increasingly apparent—2016 was recorded as the hottest year ever, and droughts, floods, wildfires and other extreme weather events are rising globally. The implications of these changes are tremendous; yet, the United States does not currently have a national plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

It’s time for states to step up on climate change, but leave carbon markets out of it

As the federal government moves backwards on climate action, including pulling the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, there are new opportunities for states to take the lead.

USDA begins rural reorganization before public comment closes

In May, new Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced a reorganization of the USDA that would eliminate the Rural Development Mission Area, dealing a huge blow to rural communities across the country.

Comments on USDA’s Request for Information Regarding “Improving Customer Service

June 13, 2017   Donald Bice Office of Budget and Program Analysis U.S. Department of Agriculture Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 101–A 1400 Independence Ave. SW. Washington, DC 20250  

Trump Turns Back on Farmers by Rejecting Global Climate Agreement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06/01/2017 Contact Ben Lilliston, 612-741-8650, blilliston@iatp.org

Trump Budget Slams Rural Communities

If your spending reflects what you value the most, it appears the Trump Administration places little value on rural communities. In its first budget presented to Congress this week, the Trump Administration proposed to slash, and in some cases eliminate, programs that support rural residents and family farmers. When combined with new U.S.

Trump’s rollback of Clean Power Plan a major setback for climate and rural communities

An Executive Order issued by President Trump today begins the process of dismantling the Clean Power Plan. The Clean Power Plan is the first regulation in the U.S. to limit carbon emissions from existing power plants, but the rule has been stalled in the courts since February 2016.

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