Bill > S2450

This bill establishes a national biochar research network through the Department of Agriculture to conduct comprehensive scientific research on biochar, a type of charcoal produced from organic materials that can be used to improve soil health and potentially mitigate climate change. The research network will consist of up to 20 research sites that will investigate biochar's potential across different soil types, climatic regions, and agricultural contexts. The network's key objectives include assessing biochar's ability to sequester carbon, understand its impacts on crop production and ecosystem health, and provide practical, science-based information to farmers, ranchers, foresters, and land managers. Eligible research entities include state agricultural and forestry experiment stations, research facilities from various federal agencies like the Agricultural Research Service and Department of Energy, and other relevant institutions. The network will conduct cross-site experiments to fill knowledge gaps about biochar's effects on soil properties, greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon sequestration, as well as develop more efficient biochar production methods. The bill authorizes $50 million in funding annually from 2025 to 2030 and requires collaboration among multiple federal agencies to administer the research network and potentially develop new conservation practice standards related to biochar use.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2450/all-info