To amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish an energy circuit rider program to disseminate technical and other assistance to rural communities to support energy efficiency and clean energy projects that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · December 13, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
The Energy Circuit Riders Act establishes a federal grant program to send trained energy specialists into rural communities to help them plan and implement energy efficiency and clean energy projects. The program provides grants of between three and six years to eligible organizations like states, nonprofits, tribal governments, universities, and regional planning commissions, which will use the funding to hire and train Energy Circuit Riders who offer technical assistance, grant writing help, and information about available funding and tax incentives. These specialists will serve at least two rural areas each and can help communities access existing federal loans and rural energy programs. The bill authorizes $25 million annually from fiscal years 2024 through 2028, with the federal government covering up to seventy-five percent of costs while eligible entities provide the remaining funding. The Secretary of Agriculture must submit annual reports to Congress detailing energy savings, cost savings, and greenhouse gas emission reductions achieved through the program.
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