Federal support for rural renewable energy has been reduced, AP-Grist reporting finds

An AP and Grist analysis found the USDA has not awarded any rural energy grants or loan guarantees this fiscal year, and the agency suspended REAP grant awards on March 31 to update regulations following a presidential executive order.

AP and Grist examined how federal policy changes are affecting renewable energy in rural America. Their reporting focuses on programs that have helped farmers and rural businesses install solar and other clean technologies. The analysis finds changes since President Trump returned to office that have reduced some federal supports. It draws on USDA data and program announcements to outline recent developments. Key findings: - The USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has committed no funds for renewable energy development since September. - The REAP grant application cycle has not reopened as the agency previously said it would, and on March 31 the USDA announced a suspension of all REAP grant awards to update regulations to comply with a July executive order. - The USDA's REAP loan guarantee program remains open, but the analysis found no new loan agreements awarded this fiscal year. - A longstanding investment tax credit for large clean energy projects has been tightened, reducing a source of federal support for some projects. Summary: Reporting shows that federal support for rural renewable energy has declined, affecting grant awards, loan agreements, and tax incentives for projects serving farms and rural businesses. The USDA described the REAP grant suspension as temporary but did not provide a timeline. Undetermined at this time.