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119-s-2500119th Congress

Research for Healthy Soils Act

Sponsored By: Senator Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create a new microplastics research and extension program aimed at studying plastic particles in land-applied biosolids on farmland. It would also extend authority for related high-priority research and extension initiatives through 2031.

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  • Farmers and landowners: Would fund studies on how microplastics (plastic particles under 5 millimeters) in biosolids affect crops and soil health, giving farmers clearer evidence about biosolids use.
  • Researchers and universities: Would make grants available for surveys and data collection on microplastic concentration, particle size, and chemical composition in land-applied biosolids.
  • Wastewater treatment developers and utilities: Would support development or analysis of treatment techniques to filter out or biodegrade microplastics from biosolids intended for agricultural use.
  • Policymakers and regulators: Would generate research on the fate, residence time, and transport of microplastics on farmland to inform future guidance.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Extend high-priority farm research to 2031

This bill would extend the legal authorization for certain high-priority agricultural research and extension initiatives to 2031. If enacted, researchers and extension programs could continue to receive grants under the cited authority through 2031. The change updates the authorization date but does not set new funding amounts or change program rules.

More microplastics research for farms

This bill would authorize research and extension grants to study microplastics in biosolids used on farmland. Microplastics are defined as plastic or plastic-coated particles under 5 millimeters. Grants could fund surveys, treatment development, crop and soil impact studies, and research on microplastic movement and residence time. The bill authorizes activities but does not specify any funding amounts.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

OR • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 7/29/2025

  • Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]

    RI • D

    Sponsored 7/29/2025

  • Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 7/29/2025

  • Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

    MD • D

    Sponsored 7/29/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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