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USDA/RBS

RIN: 0570-AA76

Publication ID: Spring 2011

Title: Rural Energy for America Program-Section 9007
Abstract: The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program (section 9006 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (FSRIA) is being replaced with a new program titled the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), section 9007 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. The new program will provide grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance; grants for renewable energy feasibility studies; and financial assistance for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems. The program will increase energy independence, promote resource, conservation, diversify markets for agricultural and forestry products, create jobs, and enhance economic development in rural economies. Eligible entities for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance include units of State, tribal, or local government; an instrumentality of a State, tribal, or local government; land grant or other institutions of higher education; rural electric cooperatives; or public power entities. Eligible entities for renewable energy feasibility study and financial assistance for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems include agricultural producer or rural small business. The 2008 Farm Bill directs that at least 20 percent of funds be used for grants of $20,000 or less, up to 10 percent for feasibility studies, and up to 4 percent of mandatory funds for energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grant. The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) intends to publish an interim rule on the changes to RD Instruction 4280-B for the regulations by April 2011, with a 60-day comment period. Following the publication of this interim rule, the Agency will publish a proposed rule, which will replace the interim rule, to be implemented as a final rule.
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA)	Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4280-B 7 CFR 4280-C (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Legal Deadline: None

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
Interim Final Rule	04/14/2011	76 FR 21109
Interim Final Rule Effective	04/14/2011
Interim Final Rule Comment Period End	06/13/2011
NPRM	06/00/2011

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No	Government Levels Affected: None
Small Entities Affected: Businesses	Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No
Agency Contact: Kelley Oehler Branch Chief Department of Agriculture Rural Business-Cooperative Service STOP 3225, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-3225 Phone:202 720-6819 Fax:202 720-2213 Email: kelley.oehler@wdc.usda.gov