Trump Budget Eviscerates Rural Clean Energy Programs
On May 23, 2017, the White House released their recommended fiscal year 2018 budget, reflecting their priorities and policies for the nation. And the message clearly states they do not support farm-based clean energy production as a way to invest in rural America. This budget would unravel the legislative deal struck in the 2014 Farm Bill.
The Trump budget eliminated funding for the most effective programs of the Farm Bill Energy Title. Additionally, for several programs the budget eliminated funding that had been carried forward from previous years, which means they went beyond cutting annual funding to even eliminate residual funds.
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has supported over 15,000 energy saving and clean energy producing projects in rural areas in every state. The 2014 Farm Bill provided mandatory funding of $50 million per year. The Trump budget would eliminate all of that funding, and also remove $8 million carried forward from previous years, essentially killing REAP.
The Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance program provides loan guarantees for plants that can use agricultural residues and other forms of biomass to produce a range of energy and non-energy projects. The Trump budget claws back the $175 million in accumulated program funding.
The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) would be get the same treatment as in previous years – capped at $3 million.
A statement from the Chairs of House and Senate Agriculture Committees indicate they will pursue a more independent path on appropriations, though they did not specifically mention energy programs.
The following chart provides an over view of changes. Note that the negative numbers mean mandatory funding would be eliminated and reserve funds would be taken away.
| President’s FY2018 Farm Bill -Clean Energy Programs with mandatory funding | |||
| Section | Section name | 2018 Mandatory | President’s 2018 Request |
| 9002 | Biobased Markets | 5 | No change |
| 9003 | Biorefinery Assistance Program | $ – | $ (175.0) |
| 9004 | Repowering Assistance Program | $ – | No change |
| 9005 | Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels | $ 15.0 | No change |
| 9006 | Biodiesel Fuel Education Program | $ 1.0 | No change |
| 9007 | Rural Energy for America Program | $ 50.0 | $ (8.0) |
| 9010 | Biomass Crop Assistance Program | $ 25.0 | $ 3.0 |
Explanation of appropriations terms
Mandatory funding — The amount authorized in the five-year Farm Bill by Congress is available unless limited to smaller amounts in the annual appropriations process; if appropriators do not act, the amount that was authorized is provided to the program.
Discretionary funding – Programs that require annual funding to be passed by the Appropriations Committees.