Biochar — a charcoal-like material made from organic waste — can improve soil health, sequester carbon, and help farms become more resilient to extreme weather. This bill would create a national research network of up to 20 sites across the country to study how different types of biochar work in different soils, climates, and farming systems. The network would be run by the USDA in partnership with the Forest Service, Department of Energy, and others, with $50 million per year authorized for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Congressional Summary
Biochar Research Network Act of 2025This bill directs the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to establish a biochar research network of not more than 20 research sites or facilities to test the impact of biochar across various soil types, application methods, and climates to learn more about its potential to benefit agriculture, forestry, and the environment.Eligible entities for the research network include (1) state agriculture and forestry experiment stations; and (2) research facilities of the ARS, the Forest Service, and the Departments of Energy, Commerce, and the Interior.Biochar is created by heating biomass (e.g., wood, grass, and manure) in a low-oxygen environment and can be applied to soil to sequester carbon and improve soil health.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-07-25
- Date Added
- 2026-04-15