Biochar.
Biochar is produced by combusting biomass sources such as wood chips, plant residue, or agricultural waste products in the presence of limited oxygen, resulting in a carbon-rich solid that is a type of charcoal. The combustion process is referred to as pyrolysis. Biochar can be added to soils to address environmental, agricultural, and forestry challenges. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, biochar is a non-synthetic substance, and applications of biochar include improving soil health, raising soil pH, remediating polluted soils, sequestering carbon, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and improving soil moisture. With certain exceptions and where possible, state agencies and local governments are required to use other types of organic matter such as compost products when planning government-funded projects or soliciting and reviewing bids for government-funded projects.
Department of Natural Resources.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages a number of different categories of land, each for a specific purpose and under different management requirements. These include approximately 3 million acres of federally granted lands and state forest lands. The DNR produces revenue on state trust lands from the harvesting of timber and forest products and other activities. In 2021, legislation was enacted directing the DNR to explore opportunities and developing markets for the use of woody biomass residuals from forest treatments, including biochar.
Government-Funded Project Planning.
State agencies and local governments are required to consider whether biochar products can be used when planning government-funded projects, or when soliciting and reviewing bids for government-funded projects. Biochar means a carbon-rich material produced during the pyrolysis process or solid material obtained from the thermochemical conversion of biomass in an oxygen-limited environment. If biochar products can be used, state agencies and local governments must use biochar products, except when:
State agencies are also not required to use biochar products in a project if:
Pilot Program.
The DNR must implement a pilot project to evaluate the costs and benefits of marketing and selling forest products to a biochar facility. The project must include sales in at least the Olympic region. The project must be completed by June 30, 2024, and the DNR must work with affected stakeholders and report to the appropriate committees of the Legislature with the results of the project and any recommendations. In addition, the pilot project must:
The pilot project expires on December 31, 2024.