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NRCS published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2009, an interim rule with request for comment amending the program regulations for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). EQIP assistance promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals, and strives to optimize environmental benefits. Through EQIP, the Commodity Credit Corporation provides flexible technical, financial, and educational assistance to producers to install and maintain conservation systems that enhance soil, water, air quality, related natural resources, and wildlife habitat while sustaining production of food and fiber.  The interim rule incorporated programmatic changes authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Act), and made other administrative adjustments.  NRCS published a correction to the interim rule on March 12, 2009, to correct language regarding the application of the payment limitation to joint operations.  An interim rule amendment was also published on May 29, 2009, to expand the exception for conservation practices on public land.

Overall Description of Deadline: Section 2709 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 requires rules to be promulgated within 90 days of statutory enactment.