SOIL Act

This bill would boost payments in two federal conservation programs so farmers get more help for practices that improve soil health and wildlife habitat at the same time. It raises cost-share payments to 90% for certain projects, like planting cover crops, restoring wetlands, adding windbreaks or hedgerows, creating riparian buffers, using no‑till, and rotating crops. Applications that tackle both soil and wildlife needs would get priority for funding. It also adds extra payments in a related stewardship program for “co‑benefit activities” that both improve wildlife habitat and store more carbon in the soil, helping cut greenhouse gases.

Key points

• Who is affected: Farmers and ranchers using the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program.
• What changes: 90% cost-share for soil‑and‑wildlife practices; higher ranking for applications that address both; new extra payments for co‑benefit activities that help wildlife and increase soil carbon .
• When: The text provided does not specify an effective date.