If you’ve never heard of biochar, you’re not alone. Although researched heavily by academia and the Department of Ecology (Ecology) over the years, it’s still in its nascent stage in the marketplace. In fact, a quick internet search revealed only six suppliers statewide. A bill hopes to change that by requiring government to purchase it.

Before we get ahead of ourselves, what is biochar? Biochar is the charcoal left behind after pyrolysis of crop residues, livestock manures, or other organic materials. Now you might be wondering—What is pyrolysis? Pyrolysis is the high-temperature processing of organic materials in the absence of oxygen.

If HB 5961 passes, state and local governments would be required to use biochar in projects if it can be used. The bill does allow the following exceptions:

• Biochar is not available within a reasonable period of time;
• Biochar products that are available do not comply with existing purchasing standards;
• Biochar products that are available do not comply with federal or state health, quality, and safety standards; or
• Biochar purchase prices are not reasonable or competitive.

Interestingly, how a city should use biochar, or for what purpose, is still being studied. In a report released by Ecology last month, it appears one of the best uses for biochar is at composting facilities, especially to reduce odors (see below for an illustration of this use). Further, the title of HB 5961 implies it is providing an incentive to use biochar, but the bill language doesn’t include an incentive—only a mandate.

If you’re an avid reader of the Legislative Bulletin, you know that there is also a bill moving through the Legislature (HB 1799) that requires cities to adopt a compost procurement ordinance to comply with RCW 43.19A.120—the very statute HB 5961 copies to require government purchasing of biochar. Given the research and lack of availability, it appears compost facilities would be a better focus for HB 5961.

Dates to remember

HB 5961 will be heard Monday, February 21 at 1:30 pm in the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee and is scheduled for a committee vote on Wednesday at 8 am.