New federal rule makes Utah farmers wait longer for renewable energy funding
Applicants must finish projects and document a year of energy savings first; comments are open through Nov. 2.
Based on reporting by Utah Public Radio. Read the original story →
A new U.S. Department of Agriculture rule requires farmers to complete clean-energy projects and document a year of energy savings before applying for funding under its Rural Energy for America Program, Utah Public Radio reported. The rule took effect Oct. 16, and the department says it is meant to streamline the program and tie funding to actual performance. [1]
Chad Hughes of the Environmental Law and Policy Center said paying costs up front could put the program out of reach for smaller operations, and that the changes also limit wind projects on certified cropland. Farmers and rural businesses can comment online through Nov. 2, and the department says feedback could shape later revisions. [1]
The center sued the agency in September over earlier restrictions on solar funding that applied to pending applications. From 2023 through 2025 the program supported nearly 7,000 projects, according to the report. [1]
Sources
- Utah Public Radio: Utah farmers have to wait longer for renewable energy funding under a new rule upr.org
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