H.R.3991 - Research for Healthy Soils Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3991, the "Research for Healthy Soils Act," aims to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990. The amendment would prioritize research and extension grants related to the impacts of microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on farmland. The bill specifically targets research on these substances in land-applied biosolids and compost.
Expected Effects
The bill would expand the scope of agricultural research to include the study of microplastics and PFAS contamination. This could lead to the development of new techniques for filtering or biodegrading these substances. It could also improve understanding of their impact on crops, soil, and water systems.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced research into the impacts of microplastics and PFAS on farmland.
- Development of techniques to filter or biodegrade these substances.
- Improved understanding of the uptake of these substances by crops and livestock.
- Potential remediation strategies for contaminated soil and water systems.
- Reauthorization of high-priority research and extension initiatives through 2031.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with implementing new wastewater treatment and composting techniques.
- Possible disruptions to agricultural practices during the transition to new methods.
- Uncertainty regarding the long-term effectiveness of remediation strategies.
- Limited immediate impact, as the bill focuses on research rather than direct regulation or remediation.
- The bill does not address the sources of microplastics and PFAS, only their impact on farmland.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It promotes scientific research to address potential environmental and health hazards related to agriculture. Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) could also be invoked to justify federal involvement in addressing contaminants that may cross state lines through agricultural products or water systems.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).