Bill Overview
Title: Biochar Research Network Act of 2022
Description: This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a biochar research network of not more than 20 research stations or facilities to test the impact of biochar across various soil types, application methods, and climates to learn more about its potential to benefit farmers and the environment.
Sponsors: Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-2]
Target Audience
Population: People worldwide benefiting from improved agricultural practices and environmental outcomes due to biochar research
Estimated Size: 150000000
- Biochar is a type of charcoal that is used as a soil amendment, meaning the primary participants impacted directly will be farmers who can apply biochar to improve soil health and crop yields.
- The research network will operate in various locations, potentially impacting local communities and agricultural stakeholders at the research sites.
- Biochar has potential environmental benefits such as carbon sequestration, which can contribute to climate mitigation efforts and thus has broader environmental implications.
- The findings of the research can influence agricultural practices, potentially benefiting farmers worldwide by providing new information and techniques.
- Indirectly, this could influence the agricultural economy, food production, and environmental policies, potentially benefiting a broad segment of the global population reliant on agriculture and sustainable practices.
- Researchers and scientists involved in biochar studies and environmental sciences will be directly impacted as they will gain resources and data from the research network.
Reasoning
- The Biochar Research Network Act of 2022 is primarily directed at enhancing agricultural practices and environmental impacts through research and development of biochar, an agricultural soil amendment.
- Key stakeholders directly impacted by the policy include farmers (particularly those in areas where research stations are established), environmental scientists, and the local communities around each research station.
- The policy's budget allows for the establishment of as many as 20 research stations, meaning that the policy's direct impact will be somewhat geographically localized at first. Broader impacts could be felt over time as research findings are disseminated.
- A significant portion of the US population not directly involved in farming or science may not feel immediate impacts but could benefit through environmental improvements and agricultural advancements over time.
Simulated Interviews
Farmer (Iowa)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic about biochar as I've read it can improve soil health and yield.
- If the research proves that biochar is as beneficial as they say, it could revolutionize how we farm here.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Environmental Scientist (California)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could provide crucial data on biochar’s role in carbon sequestration.
- I'm excited about the potential for actionable climate mitigation strategies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Agricultural Extension Officer (Texas)
Age: 61 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful that biochar research could provide new insights into sustainable farming.
- Farmers in Texas could greatly benefit from understanding more about soil management.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Graduate Student (New York)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative will provide plenty of research opportunities for my field.
- I look forward to participating in the studies and applying findings in my future career.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Rural Community Leader (Ohio)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The research facilities could boost our local economy.
- Increased knowledge about biochar could help local farmers be more sustainable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired Farmer (Georgia)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better understanding biochar could help future generations of farmers.
- I support any initiative that promotes environmentally friendly farming.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Biochar Manufacturer (North Dakota)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could expand the biochar market if research shows positive results.
- My company could greatly benefit from increased awareness and use of biochar.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Organic Farmer (Oregon)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm curious about the potential of biochar to improve organic farming.
- The research could provide valuable information on sustainable practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Agribusiness Consultant (Florida)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Positive outcomes from this research could open new opportunities for agribusiness.
- It's crucial for agribusinesses to stay ahead with new agricultural technologies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Research Scientist in Agriculture (Kansas)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy's investment in biochar will advance agricultural science.
- Excited to see how this research can translate into real-world farming improvements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 2: $95000000 (Low: $75000000, High: $115000000)
Year 3: $90000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $110000000)
Year 5: $85000000 (Low: $65000000, High: $105000000)
Year 10: $75000000 (Low: $55000000, High: $95000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Establishing such a network requires careful coordination among multiple stakeholders at state and local levels.
- The policy seeks to address both agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability, making it a multifaceted initiative.
- Initial setup costs are expected to be higher due to infrastructure development and procurement of necessary research equipment.