Funding Research on Microplastics in Farm Soil and Crop Safety.
This law allocates federal grants for critical research into microplastics (tiny plastic particles) found in sewage sludge (biosolids) applied as fertilizer on farmlands. The goal is to understand how this contamination affects soil health and crops, directly impacting food quality and safety. Additionally, existing high-priority agricultural research programs are extended until 2028.
Key points
New Research Focus: Federal funding is prioritized for studying the concentration, composition, and impact of microplastics in biosolids used on agricultural land.
Environmental Protection: Research will focus on developing wastewater treatment techniques to filter out or biodegrade microplastics before they reach farmland.
Program Extension: Key agricultural research and extension initiatives are reauthorized and extended for five years, until 2028.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_3623
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Process start date: 2024-01-18