H.R. 9217: Natural Climate Solutions Research and Extension Act of 2026

This bill would expand a federal agriculture research and extension grant program so it can fund “natural climate solutions” projects. In plain terms, that means the government could give grants for research and outreach that help farmers, landowners, and others use land management practices that:

• store more carbon in soils, grasses, wetlands, and forests;
• reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural land;
• are based on traditional ecological knowledge;
• support biodiversity and help land better withstand climate-related stress; and
• reduce runoff, which can carry soil, nutrients, and other pollutants into waterways.

The bill does not require any specific practice to be adopted. Instead, it makes these topics eligible for high-priority research and extension grants under an existing U.S. Department of Agriculture program. “Extension” generally refers to education and outreach that helps share research with farmers, ranchers, and land managers.

In practical terms, the bill would allow federal funding to support projects such as studying soil health practices, wetland restoration, forest management methods, grazing strategies, or other land-use approaches that may improve carbon storage or reduce emissions. It would also allow funding for education and technical assistance related to those practices.

The bill amends an existing law rather than creating a new standalone program, so it builds on a current grant structure instead of setting up a separate agency or regulatory system.

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