H.R. 4764: Biochar Research Network Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Biochar Research Network Act of 2025, aims to create a national research network focused on biochar, a charcoal-like substance produced from organic materials that can be used to improve soil health and manage carbon emissions. Below is a summary of its key components:

Establishment of the Research Network

The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a national biochar research network consisting of up to 20 research sites or facilities. The main goals of this network are:

• To assess the potential of various biochars for capturing carbon in soil.
• To explore how biochar can help in climate change mitigation, improve crop production, enhance resilience to extreme weather, and promote overall ecosystem health.
• To provide practical information to farmers, ranchers, forest managers, and other land managers on sustainable biochar production and its application.

Scope of Research

The research network will focus on a variety of areas, including:

• Agriculture, horticulture, rangeland, and forestry.
• Diverse feedstocks, production methods, and application techniques of biochar.

Research efforts will include:

• Experiments to fill knowledge gaps about biochar's impact on soil properties, plant growth, and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Mechanistic studies to improve the efficiency of biochar production and understand interaction effects with feedstock and reactor conditions.
• Site-specific assessments to identify optimized uses of biochar in various environments.
• Data collection for life cycle analyses regarding greenhouse gas emissions and economic impacts.

Eligibility for Participation

Entities that can participate in the research network include:

• State agricultural and forestry experiment stations.
• Research facilities within the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Energy, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of the Interior.

Administration

The network will be administered by the Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service, with collaboration from several key federal agencies, including the Forest Service, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and others. The Secretary of Agriculture will also collaborate with relevant agencies to establish conservation practices informed by research findings.

Funding

The bill authorizes an appropriation of $50 million for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2030 to support the activities of the research network.

Relevant Companies

• DTE Energy Co. (DTE) - The company may be impacted by changes in bioenergy strategies and carbon management practices that could arise from findings of the research network.
• NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE) - As a major player in renewable energy and sustainability, developments in biochar technologies could influence their energy production methods and sustainability initiatives.
• Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) - The company may see increased demand for machinery related to biochar production processes as agricultural and forestry sectors look to adopt these sustainable practices.