AB80

Existing law establishes the State Conservation Commission in the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and authorizes the establishment of conservation districts to facilitate the conservation, protection and controlled development of the renewable natural resources of this State, which includes soil. (Chapter 548 of NRS) Section 7 of this bill creates the Healthy Soils Initiative within the Commission, which, to the extent money is available, must: (1) encourage the adoption of soil health practices by producers; (2) promote and advance the understanding of the environmental and economic benefits of soil health practices; and (3) support and advance scientific research into soil health. Section 8 of this bill authorizes the Commission to establish, as part of the Healthy Soils Initiative: (1) a grant program for soil health activities and projects; (2) a soil health monitoring and inventory platform; and (3) any other program the Commission determines is appropriate. Section 8 requires, with certain exceptions, any program or platform established by the Commission to be voluntary and incentive-based. Section 8 also provides that, if the Commission establishes a grant program, the Commission must adopt certain regulations relating to the grant program. Section 9 of this bill establishes the Fund for Soil Health in the State Treasury and requires the Commission to administer the Fund. Sections 10 and 58 of this bill provide that, with certain exceptions, any