Sponsors (2)
The bill invests federal funds to build coordinated scientific knowledge on biochar—potentially improving soil health, bioenergy, and climate policy—while imposing taxpayer costs, administrative complexity, and a risk that research may not deliver economically useful results for producers.
Federal researchers and universities receive $50 million per year (FY2025–2030) to coordinate USDA/DOE/DOC/DOI research, strengthening national science capacity on biochar and related bioenergy topics.
Policymakers and researchers gain standardized data and models to quantify soil carbon sequestration and life-cycle GHG impacts, improving the evidence base for climate mitigation and land-management policy.
Farmers, foresters, and land managers receive region-specific, science-based guidance on biochar use that could improve soil health and crop productivity.
Taxpayers are committed to $50 million per year for six years (FY2025–2030), increasing federal spending and budgetary commitments.
If research shows limited carbon or agronomic benefits, farmers, land managers, and private firms could waste investments in biochar infrastructure or related subsidies.
Coordinating research across multiple federal agencies and sites could create administrative complexity and slow decision-making, delaying usable results and programs.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates and funds a USDA National Biochar Research Network with up to 20 research sites and $50M/year (2025–2030) to study biochar impacts and deliver region-specific guidance.
Introduced July 24, 2025 by Charles Ernest Grassley · Last progress July 24, 2025
Creates a USDA-led National Biochar Research Network to study biochar across soils, climates, feedstocks, production systems, and uses, and to deliver region-specific guidance to farmers, foresters, land managers, and other stakeholders. The network may include up to 20 research sites, involves multiple federal and state research partners, and directs USDA agencies to coordinate practice standards and program support. Authorizes $50 million per year for fiscal years 2025–2030 to carry out the program and assigns lead administration to the Agricultural Research Service in partnership with the Forest Service, NIFA, and several cabinet-level agencies, while directing NRCS to align practice standards and technical/financial assistance.