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119-s-2450119th CongressWALLET

Biochar Research Network Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]

Introduced

Summary

Creates a National Biochar Research Network that would test biochar types across soils, climates, and management systems and give farmers and land managers region-specific, science-based guidance. It aims to measure soil carbon sequestration, improve soil and ecosystem health, and inform sustainable, cost-effective biochar production and use.

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  • Farmers, ranchers, foresters and urban land managers would get practical, region-specific information and pilot-scale results to help boost soil health, crop productivity, resilience to extreme weather, and potentially farm profitability.
  • Research institutions would join a coordinated network of up to 20 research sites and facilities to run cross-site and mechanistic experiments, generate life-cycle greenhouse gas and economic data, and develop validated testing methods for contaminants and performance.
  • Federal research and conservation programs would coordinate on development and application. The Agricultural Research Service would lead administration with partners like the Forest Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Energy, Commerce, and Interior departments, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service would be authorized to update practice standards and align conservation support for biochar.

*If enacted, this bill would authorize $50.0 million annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2030 to carry out the network, increasing federal spending over that period.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

New national biochar research network

If enacted, the bill would create a national biochar research network with up to 20 sites. It would test many biochar types across soils, climates, crops, and forests. The program would be run by the Agricultural Research Service with other Federal agencies. Congress would be authorized $50,000,000 each year for fiscal years 2025 through 2030. The research would aim to give region-specific, practical information to farmers, foresters, land managers, and related businesses.

More USDA help for farmers using biochar

If enacted, the Department of Agriculture would direct NRCS to update or create conservation practice standards for biochar. The Secretary would have to coordinate the research network with NRCS program technical and financial support. This could help producers enrolled in conservation programs adopt biochar. The bill does not appropriate new payments or set payment amounts.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]

IA • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 7/24/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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