US Senate approves USD 88.2 million for rural renewable energy development

14 Jun 2013

On June 10th, 2013 the US Senate passed a comprehensive farm bill that includes support for rural renewable energy producers through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

S 954 includes USD 88.2 million in REAP funding over five years, which will support loans and grants for agricultural producers to install renewable energy systems. The bill has been applauded by renewable energy advocates including the 25x25 coalition.

House version does not include REAP funding

A US House version of the bill does not include funding for REAP and has not yet gone to the House floor a vote. If the House approves this bill, a committee will reconcile the House and Senate versions.

S 954 was authored by Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan), and passed the Senate 66-27. 25 of the 27 votes against the bill came from the opposition Republican Party, which holds a majority in the US House of Representatives.