Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act

Bill Number

H.R. 641

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Environmental Protection

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-28: Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.

Last Updated

2026-02-05T09:06:57Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act (H.R. 641) aims to improve federal coordination on research into soil carbon sequestration. This process involves using soil to capture and store carbon from the atmosphere, helping to reduce greenhouse gases and combat climate change. The legislation creates a structured approach to align efforts across government agencies, standardize data collection, and engage communities, particularly in agriculture.

Key Provisions

• Establishment of the Interagency Committee: Creates the Interagency Committee on Soil Carbon Research, led by the Office of Science and Technology Policy. It includes representatives from key federal entities, such as the Departments of Agriculture, Energy, and the Interior; the Environmental Protection Agency; the United States Geological Survey; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; the National Science Foundation; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council; the National Institute of Standards and Technology; and other agencies as needed.

• Committee Duties:
• Develop a strategic plan for federal research, development, and deployment focused on soil carbon sampling, measurement methods, monitoring technologies, and community needs.
• Assign roles and responsibilities to agencies.
• Oversee working groups on specific topics.
• Consult with agencies and the Office of Management and Budget on planning and budgets.
• Submit a baseline report to Congress within one year of enactment, detailing current activities, followed by progress reports at one-, three-, and five-year marks.
• Promote coordination on monitoring soil carbon, greenhouse gas fluxes (changes in gas emissions), and long-term storage protocols.
• Support standardized reporting by integrating data across agencies.
• Seek input from soil science experts in academia, industry, and nonprofits representing diverse agricultural groups.
• Designate a committee member to work with agency leaders on these efforts.

• Working Groups: The committee can form groups to address priorities like:
• Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV): Ensuring accurate tracking of soil carbon changes.
• Data collection and management: Developing standards for measurements, new technologies, and accessible data systems.
• Fundamental research: Studying soil carbon behavior, plant breeding for better carbon storage, and soil additives.
• Community engagement: Involving underserved and disadvantaged groups in research and results sharing.

These groups must identify existing efforts and gaps, propose collaborative projects and budgets, conduct outreach to farmers (especially underserved ones), consult experts, and create standards for long-term monitoring of carbon and environmental effects.

• Funding: Authorizes $10,000,000 in appropriations to implement the committee and related activities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new interagency committee and working groups, which did not previously exist in this form. It mandates coordinated planning, reporting, and standardization for soil carbon research, filling gaps in current fragmented federal efforts. No explicit amendments to prior laws are made, but it builds on existing authorities for agencies like the Department of Agriculture to enhance climate-related research.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Enhances collaboration among multiple agencies, potentially streamlining budgets and reducing duplication in research. It could lead to more efficient use of resources for developing technologies and data standards, influencing future federal climate policies.

• On Citizens: Benefits farmers and rural communities by incorporating their input, especially for underserved groups, and promoting practices that improve soil health and potentially qualify for carbon credit incentives. It may indirectly support broader environmental goals, like reducing climate risks for all Americans.

• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though standardized U.S. research could strengthen the country's role in global climate discussions, such as sharing data on carbon sequestration methods.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Agencies: The listed departments and offices, which must participate, share data, and adjust priorities.
• Agricultural Communities and Producers: Especially historically underserved farmers, who gain from outreach, tailored research, and potential economic opportunities in carbon storage practices.
• Researchers and Experts: Academia, private industry, nonprofits, and soil scientists, who provide input and collaborate on projects.
• Broader Public: Environmental and climate advocacy groups, as well as taxpayers funding the initiative, benefiting from advanced climate mitigation tools.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Establishes administrative mechanisms under existing executive branch authorities, with no new regulatory powers; reports to Congress ensure oversight without infringing on separation of powers.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority to appropriate funds and direct interagency coordination; promotes environmental justice, echoing principles in recent climate laws.
• Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (from both parties) suggests broad support for climate-agriculture integration. It could influence future legislation on carbon markets or farming subsidies, emphasizing science-driven policy over partisan divides, while prioritizing equity for disadvantaged communities.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]

Cosponsors (6)

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-28: Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
• 2025-01-23: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, and Natural Resources, 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.
• 2025-01-23: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, and Natural Resources, 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.
• 2025-01-23: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, and Natural Resources, 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.
• 2025-01-23: Introduced in House
• 2025-01-23: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act — issued 2025-01-23 — PDF (7 pages)