U.S. Department of Agriculture accepting applications for FY2022 rural energy grants
Upcoming Events
Related News

Key Takeaways
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently accepting applications for grants and loan guarantees through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Rural small businesses and agricultural producers are eligible to apply for grants and loans to fund renewable energy systems and to purchase, install and construct energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also use these funds to install energy efficient equipment and systems for production or processing. State and local governments are eligible to apply for funding to conduct energy audits and provide development assistance. The deadline to submit grant only applications is November 1, 2021, and loan and grant combined applications is March 31, 2022.
REAP is administered by USDA Rural Development (RD), and loans for this program are under the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative, which was created to streamline the RD loan process. REAP provides funding for renewable energy systems such as biomass, wind and solar generation, and geothermal systems. For more information on REAP, interested applicants can contact their local USDA RD State Energy Coordinator or click here.
Counties support the increased use and promotion of wind energy as well as the development of biomass fuels, which reduce pollution and generate revenue for our nation’s farmers. NACo will continue to keep members informed of future funding opportunities.
Advocacy
U.S. Department of Agriculture announces $9.7 billion in funding for rural electric cooperatives through Empowering Rural America Program
Rural counties can encourage local electric providers to upgrade systems through Empowering Rural America Program

Related News

Senate Agriculture Committee releases reconciliation budget text; Contains changes to SNAP
On June 24, the Senate parliamentarian approved a new version of the benefit cost share provision. Under this revision, states may use either their FY 2025 or FY 2026 payment error rate to determine their required match for FY 2028. For FY 2029 and beyond, the match is based on the payment error rate from three fiscal years prior.

White House signs executive orders to advance nuclear power
On May 23, President Trump signed four executive orders focused on expanding the nuclear energy industry. The executive orders aim to position nuclear power as a key contributor to energy reliability, economic growth and national security — especially as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and military operations increase demand for stable, high-density power sources.

U.S. Supreme Court issues unanimous decision in landmark National Environmental Policy Act case
On May 29, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado that will reshape requirements for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environment impact statements.