The Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) recently released a new rangeland program designed to compensate ranchers for range management practices which remove carbon from the atmosphere.  Participating programs include the sustainable management of native rangelands, conversion of cropland to grass, tree plantings, and other practices.  The value of this carbon, measured in metric tons, is determined by the price paid for your carbon credits on the CCX board.  Much like the commodity market, the exact price you would receive depends on market conditions at the time your carbon credits are sold.

Greenhouse gases can be controlled by either reducing carbon emissions placed into the atmosphere or by the removal of carbon from the atmosphere through improved environmental practices.  The Chicago Climate Exchange was established to reduce greenhouse gases through voluntary, legally-binding, commitments of member companies to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by six percent by 2010.  Member companies may partially purchase carbon credits from others in order to meet targeted reductions.  Companies who exceed targeted reductions would receive carbon credits that could also be sold on this market.

The carbon program continues to expand across the United States by USDA land regions.  New areas are added as scientific data related to carbon sequestration is completed.  A map of currently eligible map regions is shown below: