Bill · S. 2500· Senate(119-S-2500)
Research for Healthy Soils Act
- Introduced
- 7/29/2025
- Last activity
- 7/29/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- Sponsored by
- Jeff Merkley
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The bill, called the "Research for Healthy Soils Act," aims to study microplastics in biosolids used on farmland. It amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to include this research as a high-priority area. The bill also extends the authorization for high-priority research and extension initiatives until 2031.
Yes· 3 of 13
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+4
The bill improves environmental protections by researching microplastics in biosolids used on farmland, which can help reduce pollution and ensure safer agricultural practices.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+4
This bill increases scientific research funding for the research of microplastics and their impacts.
Would farmers be better off under this?+3
The bill could be good for farmers by helping understand the impacts of microplastics on farmland and developing techniques to mitigate these impacts, potentially leading to healthier soils and better crop yields.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Research on Microplastics: Section 2 focuses on researching the impacts of microplastics from biosolids on farmland. This could be positive because understanding these impacts can help ensure safer food production and protect soil health.
-
Wastewater Treatment Techniques: Section 2(B) mentions developing or analyzing wastewater treatment techniques to filter out or biodegrade microplastics. This could lead to cleaner biosolids and reduce microplastic pollution in agricultural lands.
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Reauthorization of Initiatives: Section 3 extends the authorization for high-priority research and extension initiatives to 2031. This ensures continued support for various agricultural research areas, potentially benefiting farmers and consumers.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- There are no directly identifiable negative impacts for people that are explicitly mentioned in the text of the bill.
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+3Good For Children+2Good For Rural Residents+2Good For High Income Households+1Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Middle Aged+1Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For Seniors+1Good For Young Adults+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+4Improves Rural Development+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+4
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+2
- 7/29/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island