A review of cap-and-trade legislation data by U.S. Senate leaders reveals the proposed climate change legislation could hurt farmers and ranchers in the future, the Lampasas County Farm Bureau said.

“Farmers and ranchers believe a decision on capand trade legislation would be premature,” said Barney Groves of the Farm Bureau. “Such a decision would continue to decrease the incomes of farmers and ranchers across the country, not to mention increase living expenses for consumers.”

Not only would crop production be affected, but also a decrease in livestock production is expected, he indi- cated.

“The EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] suggests energy prices could rise with the proposed legislation,” Groves said. “Fertilizer and electric costs are expected to rise, as well.”

While the Senate recently announced a delay in its final decision on the legislation, its members are being urged to consider how the legislation could affect the entire population.

“In the process of making big decisions, not only must we think of our climate, we must remember how our food is grown and produced,” Groves said.