Rice University researchers say US biochar policy needs to be beefed up

In Texas, researchers at Rice University evaluated the readiness level of current U.S. policies, programs and regulatory incentives regarding the benefits of biochar.

The paper offers these policy recommendations:

• • Improve policies that allow for the monetization of environmental benefits and avoided costs
• • Recognize soil as a resource through national preservation policy
• • Develop a broadly accepted set of product standards for biochar

“Compared to more established bio-based products like biofuels, biochar is not the center of policymakers’ attention. While biofuels such as conventional ethanol have received incentives as a part of a long-term plan to diversify the nation’s energy portfolio, biochar may warrant greater support as part of a long-term soil and food security strategy,” the researchers said in the study.