Rural Forest Markets Act of 2023

The Rural Forest Markets Act of 2023 would establish a federal program to help small-scale, private forest owners access financial markets that pay for environmental benefits, such as carbon sequestration. By providing up to $150 million in federal guarantees for loans and bonds, the bill aims to reduce the financial risk for organizations that bundle together many small forestry projects to sell environmental credits.

For everyday citizens and rural landowners, this bill is designed to make it easier and more affordable to earn income from sustainable land management and tree planting. By lowering the barriers to entry for these complex markets, the legislation seeks to provide rural communities with new economic opportunities while encouraging the long-term health and preservation of private forests.