WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV News) —Farmers seeking federal assistance for renewable energy projects will soon have to cover the costs upfront.
USDA is changing its Rural Energy for America Program to require projects to be completed and operating before producers or rural businesses can apply. Applicants will have to provide actual project costs, energy savings and information on how well the system is performing.
USDA is also moving to one national competition and plans to launch a new online application system. The department says the changes will reduce paperwork while helping ensure federal funding goes to projects with proven results.
Meanwhile, a new bipartisan Senate bill aims to speed up federal permitting for energy and infrastructure projects to reduce delays and costs.
The American Petroleum Institute says broader permitting reforms could save households more than $55 billion in electricity costs over 10 years while supporting more than 700,000 jobs. The Senate is expected to take up the bill after the midterms.
