Trump just effectively killed a popular solar energy program for rural America
Solar panels can be an economic lifeline for farmers. Now they're going to be a lot harder to build.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced changes to the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) today, making solar power development ineligible for funding as of October 16. Rural farmers and small businesses often struggle to afford the upfront costs of installing solar systems, which can total tens of thousands of dollars.
REAP has historically provided financial assistance to help offset these expenses, enabling agricultural producers to reduce utility bills and sell surplus energy back to the grid. Matt Russell, executive director of the Iowa Farmers Union, expressed disappointment over the shift away from "win-win-win investments" like solar energy.
The lawsuit against the USDA alleges that the new rules violate the REAP statute and the Administrative Procedure Act. Lawmakers created REAP in 2008 to promote renewable energy development and energy efficiency, but the USDA has seemingly ignored Congress's intent by promoting fossil fuels over renewables. The USDA maintains that this action is to protect farmland, but advocates argue that farmers are voluntarily applying for REAP because of the financial benefits solar energy provides.
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