Bill · S. 2450· Senate(119-S-2450)
Biochar Research Network Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 7/24/2025
- Last activity
- 7/24/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- Sponsored by
- Chuck Grassley
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Biochar Research Network Act of 2025 directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a national biochar research network. This network will consist of no more than 20 research sites or facilities. The goal is to test various biochar types across different soil types, climates, and management conditions. Research will focus on assessing soil carbon sequestration, climate mitigation, and farm profitability. The network is intended to provide practical, science-based information to various land managers and businesses. It also aims to study the production processes and efficiency of biochar and bioenergy.
Yes· 3 of 14
Does this put more money into scientific research?+7
The bill authorizes $50,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2030 to fund a national research network.
Would farmers be better off under this?+6
The bill directly aims to increase profitability, productivity, and resilience for farmers and ranchers.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+6
The bill specifically targets soil carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas reduction through biochar use.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Profitability and Productivity: The research aims to help farmers, ranchers, and others use biochar to increase profitability and raise productivity (Section 2(a)(2); Section 2(b)(2)(B)(i)).
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Climate and Environmental Benefits: The network will study how to use biochar for climate mitigation, carbon sequestration, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Section 2(a)(2); Section 2(b)(2)(B)(i)).
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Improved Resilience: Research is intended to help strengthen resilience to extreme weather events (Section 2(a)(2); Section 2(b)(2)(B)(i)).
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Resource Conservation and Soil Health: The bill aims to use biochar to contribute to ecosystem and soil health, as well as natural resource conservation (Section 2(a)(2); Section 2(b)(2)(B)(i)).
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Practical Information for Land Managers: The network is designed to deliver science-based, cost-effective, and practical information to farmers, foresters, and other land managers regarding sustainable biochar production and application (Section 2(a)(3)).
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Enhanced Decision Making: Research will provide data to support decisions on sustainable production and use of biochar (Section 2(b)(2)(B)(ii)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Risk of Unintended Consequences: The bill acknowledges the need to develop testing methodologies to identify potential contaminants or other factors that may cause unintended consequences during biochar use (Section 2(b)(2)(A)(v)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+6Good For Business Owners+5Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Middle Class Households+2Good For Low Income Households+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Carbon Emissions+6Improves Environmental Protections+4Increases Renewable Energy Investment+4Improves Rural Development+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+3Improves Small Business Support+3Increases Job Creation+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+7
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 7/24/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Martin HeinrichDemocrat · New Mexico