H.R. 641 — Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act

This section establishes the Interagency Committee on Soil Carbon Research, led by the Office of Science and Technology Policy and composed of representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and other agencies as appropriate. The committee must (1) develop a strategic plan for federal research, development, and deployment of soil carbon sequestration sampling, measurement, monitoring technologies, and community needs; (2) propose agency roles and responsibilities; (3) oversee working groups; (4) consult on planning and budgets; (5) submit a baseline report to Congress within one year of enactment and progress reports at one-, three-, and five-year intervals thereafter; (6) coordinate monitoring, data collection on soil carbon and greenhouse gas fluxes, and long-term storage protocols; (7) support standardized reporting across agencies; (8) share recommendations with diverse soil science experts; and (9) designate a member to collaborate with agency heads. The committee may establish working groups on (1) monitoring, reporting, and verification; (2) data collection, management, and standards; (3) fundamental research on soil carbon dynamics, plant breeding, and amendments; and (4) community engagement, particularly with historically underserved groups, to identify research gaps, propose projects and budgets, and ensure stakeholder input. Authorizes $10 million to carry out this section.