7 U.S.C. § 6702: Study of global climate change, agriculture, and forestry

the effects of simultaneous increases in temperature and carbon dioxide on crops of economic significance; the effects of more frequent or more severe weather events on such crops; the effects of potential changes in hydrologic regimes on current crop yields; the economic effects of widespread and increased drought frequency in the south, midwest, and plains States; and changes in pest problems due to higher temperatures. identify whether climate change tolerance can be bred into these crops, the amount of time necessary for any such breeding, and the effects on the income of farmers; evaluate existing genetic resource and breeding programs for crops for their ability to develop new varieties that can tolerate potential climate changes; and assess the potential for the development of crop varieties that are tolerant to climate changes and other environmental stresses, such as drought, pests, and salinity. obtain measurements of nitrous oxide, methane, and nonmethane hydrocarbons from tropical and temperate forests; determine the manner in which the nitrous oxide, methane, and nonmethane hydrocarbon emissions from temperate and tropical forest systems will respond due to climate change; and identify and address alternative management strategies for temperate and tropical forests that may mitigate any negative effects of global climate change. The Secretary shall submit reports of the studies conducted under subsections (a) and (b) within 3 and 6 years, respectively, after November 28, 1990 , to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. In addition, interim reports regarding such studies shall be provided by the Secretary to such Committees annually, with recommendations for actions which may be taken to mitigate the negative effects of global climate change and to adapt to global climate changes and related phenomena.