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HR 2581 117th Congress House Agriculture and Food Advanced technology and technological innovations Agricultural practices and innovations Agricultural research Air quality Alternative and renewable resources Climate change and greenhouse gases Congressional oversight Ecology Economic development Environmental technology Fires Forests, forestry, trees Mining Pollution liability Research administration and funding Research and development Rural conditions and development Technology transfer and commercialization Watersheds

BIOCHAR Act of 2021

Introduced: April 15, 2021 See on congress.gov
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 Everywhere this bill has been 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jun 15, 2021
Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry.
Apr 15, 2021
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Apr 15, 2021
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Biochar Innovations and Opportunities for Conservation, Health, and Advancements in Research Act of 2021 or the BIOCHAR Act of 2021

This bill establishes two temporary programs to encourage research, development, and commercialization of biochar. This is carbonized biomass produced by converting plant matter through reductive thermal processing for nonfuel uses.

First, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) must fund biochar demonstration projects through state, tribal, or local governments; land-grant colleges or universities; or private, nonprofit, or cooperative entities. In selecting projects, the departments must prioritize, for example, projects that (1) have the greatest potential for carbon sequestration; and (2) create new jobs and economic benefits, particularly in rural areas. Projects may use funds for various activities, including developing commercially and technologically viable biochar production units and demonstrating cost-effective market opportunities for biochar and biochar-based products. At least 50% of the plant matter used in a project must come from forest thinning and management activities on National Forest System land. In addition, USDA and DOE must conduct research related to the biochar produced from the projects.

Second, USDA must establish a grant program for land-grant colleges and universities to conduct applied research on environmental and economic benefits of biochar.

For the duration of the two programs, USDA and DOE must periodically report to Congress about issues related to commercialization of biochar and the status of the programs. The programs terminate after 10 years.

What's happening now June 15, 2021

Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3
 Cosponsors 4
All 4 Republican 4