Colorado Congressman Ken Buck recently announced that he is sponsoring two pieces of legislation in response to concerns within his constituency. The first bill, called the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Improvement Act, aims to provide flexibility for farmers and ranchers in conserving water on working lands under CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program). Additionally, the bill seeks to ensure fair compensation for those who retire their water rights or limit their water use.
Currently, CREP utilizes federal and non-federal funds to target conservation goals. The program offers payments to farmers and ranchers who remove land from production in order to reduce water consumption. Although CREP has been effective in some cases, it has not always worked as intended. Therefore, Buck&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPWlrbFNhdmpBNGF3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrVlZScFNVMW1Ua1F4WkhCSFVrZDVPWGRvTlVaeFVUMDk-8217;s proposed legislation aims to improve the program by implementing the following changes:
1. Allowing appropriate dry land agricultural uses on CREP acreage.
2. Adding dry land crop production and grazing to the list of acceptable conservation practices.
3. Making continuous cropping systems, like alfalfa, eligible for drought and water conservation agreements under CREP.
4. Ensuring fair payments to producers by establishing that annual payments for such agreements will be equal to the difference between irrigated acre payment rates and dry land acre payment rates, as determined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
5. Guaranteeing that any drought and water conservation agreement involving the permanent retirement of a water right receives the full irrigated acre payment rate, among other changes.
Buck emphasized the importance of water usage in the West and acknowledged that past water conservation efforts have often disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. He believes that this legislation will incentivize conservation efforts, prioritize food security, and help rural communities better manage their resources.
In addition to the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Improvement Act, Buck is co-sponsoring another bipartisan bill. This bill, also co-sponsored by Representatives Ted Lieu and Anna Eshoo, is called the National AI Commission Act. Its purpose is to establish a national commission dedicated to regulating artificial intelligence (AI).
The bipartisan commission will examine the current approach to AI regulation in the United States, make recommendations regarding any necessary new government structures or offices, and develop a risk-based framework for AI. The commission will consist of experts from various sectors, including civil society, government, industry, and labor, who will collaborate to create a comprehensive framework for regulating AI.
Buck emphasized the potential opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence. While acknowledging its economic benefits, he also emphasized the importance of considering AI&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPWlrbFNhdmpBNGF3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrVlZScFNVMW1Ua1F4WkhCSFVrZDVPWGRvTlVaeFVUMDk-8217;s potential impact on national security. By leading this bipartisan legislation, Buck aims to ensure that Congress takes into account expert opinions before making decisions in the emerging field of artificial intelligence.
Overall, Buck&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPWlrbFNhdmpBNGF3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrVlZScFNVMW1Ua1F4WkhCSFVrZDVPWGRvTlVaeFVUMDk-8217;s sponsorship of these two bills showcases his dedication to addressing the concerns of his constituents. His first bill aims to improve the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, offering farmers and ranchers more flexibility and fair compensation. The second bill demonstrates his commitment to regulating artificial intelligence in a thoughtful and comprehensive manner.
With these legislative actions, Congressman Ken Buck is working to protect the interests of his constituents and address pressing issues facing Colorado and the nation as a whole. By prioritizing water conservation and AI regulation, Buck is actively promoting sustainable practices and ensuring that emerging technologies are effectively and responsibly managed.
