Last updated 4:54PM ET
November 7, 2009
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USDA Secretary Favors Cap And Trade Bill
(2009-06-29)
(wsiu) - The secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture says he supports a cap and trade bill.

Tom Vilsack says the bill will force innovation and make America a leader in clean technology and practices.

Vilsack admits a cap and trade bill will mean changes for farmers but says everyone will be better off with the end result.

Vilsack says he has heard a lot of concern from farmers, especially dairy and beef producers who fear a cap on greenhouse gasses such as methane, would devastate the industry. He says such limits will force feed producers to become innovative and develop new products that would cut down on emissions.

Vilsack says if America is the leader on such matters, the rest of world, including
those developing industrial countries such as China, will follow our example.

Vilsack made his comments Monday in Chicago where he spoke to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
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