HR-6877 : Still Just a Bill

The Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act (H.R. 6877) amends section 1242(h) of the Food Security Act of 1985 to enhance and update conservation practice standards. Key provisions include:

• Review of Standards: Requires a review of each conservation practice standard, including engineering design specifications, at least every 5 years, with a process for public input, including State and local considerations.
• Interim and New Standards: Mandates the development of a streamlined process for establishing interim and new conservation practice standards, with public engagement and consideration of State technical committee input and technological advancements.
• Transparency: Requires the Secretary to publicly post a summary of public input and decisions related to conservation practice standards, as well as a detailed description of the process for recommending, reviewing, and establishing interim and new standards.
• Commodity Credit Corporation: Amends section 1241(j)(1)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 to include schedules for revising existing conservation practice standards and establishing interim or new standards under section 1242(h).
• Conservation Innovation Grants and Payments: Updates section 1240H(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 to stimulate development and evaluation of new and innovative approaches to environmental enhancement and protection in agriculture, including grants for technologies that may be incorporated into conservation practice standards.
• Reporting and Database: Amends section 1240H(d)(2)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 to include data for evaluating new and emerging technologies and recommendations for State and regional applications.

The Act aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of conservation practices by ensuring regular updates, incorporating public input, and promoting innovative technologies.