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HR 9217

Natural Climate Solutions Research and Extension Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Sharice Davids and 3 co-sponsors

The bill creates high-priority funding for natural climate solutions research and extension to develop, coordinate, and promote practical, landscape-scale NCS uptake.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
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Bill Summary · HR 9217

Summary of HR 9217 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

HR 9217 would amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to advance high-priority research and extension activities related to natural climate solutions (NCS). The bill aims to strengthen federal support for understanding, developing, and disseminating practices that store or reduce greenhouse gases in natural and agricultural systems as a means to address climate change. It seeks to formalize targeted funding and emphasize applied research and extension to facilitate uptake by producers, landowners, and communities.

Key provisions and changes

  • Creation of high-priority research and extension funding: Establishes or directs funding streams specifically designated for NCS research and extension activities. The emphasis is on practical, real-world applications that can be adopted by stakeholders.
  • Focus areas within natural climate solutions: Prioritizes research and outreach related to practices and technologies that sequester carbon or reduce emissions in ecosystems such as soils, forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands. This may include practices like enhanced soil carbon management, agroforestry, restoration, and other landscape-level solutions.
  • Research and extension integration: Encourages coordinated efforts between research institutions (e.g., universities, federal laboratories) and extension services to ensure findings are translated into usable guidance for farmers, ranchers, forest managers, and other land stewards.
  • Alignment with existing statutory framework: Builds on the 1990 Act, integrating new funding and programmatic priorities without overhauling the core governance structure of the act.
  • Timing and implementation groundwork: Provides for the designation of high-priority projects and could establish timelines or milestones for funding cycles, grant awards, and dissemination of results.

Who or what would be affected

  • Researchers and institutions: Universities, federal land-grant universities, and affiliated research centers would gain a clear mandate and potential funding streams for NCS-related studies.
  • Extension services and collaborators: Cooperative Extension Systems and other extension agents would play a key role in translating research into practical guidance for landowners and producers.
  • Agricultural, forestry, and natural resource stakeholders: Farmers, ranchers, forest managers, wetland and soil stakeholders, and others implementing NCS practices would benefit from enhanced access to research findings, incentives, and extension support.
  • Federal program administration: Department of Agriculture (USDA) and related agencies would administer or oversee the designated high-priority NCS funding, including grant processes and program guidelines.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced and referred: The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture on June 9, 2026.
  • Sponsor information: Primary sponsor(s) include Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (co-sponsor) and Rep. Andrew Garbarino (co-sponsor).
  • Next steps in the process: If advanced, the bill would move through committee considerations, potential markups, and floor debate/vote in the House. If passed, it would proceed to the Senate for consideration and potential conference actions, subject to the regular legislative process.

Potential impact and significance

  • The bill signals a federal emphasis on natural climate solutions as a component of climate policy within the agricultural and natural resources sectors.
  • By prioritizing high-impact research and practical extension, it aims to reduce barriers to implementing NCS practices and accelerate adoption at the landscape level.
  • The targeted funding approach could enhance collaboration between researchers and practitioners, improving the relevance and uptake of scientific findings in real-world settings.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s stated provisions as of its introduction and referral. Full legislative text would provide precise language on funding levels, program structures, reporting requirements, and eligibility criteria.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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