Sustainable biomass and biofuel crops could become an important clean energy resource, but farmers want to be sure there’s a market for these crops before they plant them, and power producers want to be sure there’s a supply of these crops before they buy them. BCAP was intended to help break this “chicken and egg” dilemma by offsetting a portion of the costs of growing and harvesting new energy crops and other biomass feedstocks.  Congress passed BCAP in the 2008 Farm Bill, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is just starting to fully implement it.

With this briefing and related activities, ELPC is seeking to persuade USDA to hard-wire strong environmental protections in the BCAP rules and prioritize the right energy crops for development. If grown and harvested correctly, BCAP can boost on-farm income, help rural communities, and improve environmental quality.

Click here to view presentations on BCAP from National Wildlife Federation, Anna Rath, Show Me Energy Cooperative and University of Illinois.

For more information on BCAP and other Farm Bill Energy Title programs, please visit FarmEnergy.org.

One program that’s made thousands of new clean energy projects possible is the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). ELPC’s Farm Energy Success Stories report highlights clean energy projects on farms and rural small businesses across the country that are saving money, creating new income and reducing pollution. ELPC is advocating to expand REAP and other farm energy programs. Listen to the interview here.

Farm Energy Success Stories highlights clean energy projects that were made possible with grants and loan guarantees from the Farm Bill’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

Download the Report Here

“We now call for the EPA to implement strong and fair standards that will reduce global warming pollution if Congress does not step up with legislation.  Implementing effective global warming solutions, such as energy efficiency and renewable energy development and high-speed rail development can create job growth, spur economic development, and help to solve our global warming problems.”

- Statement from Howard Learner, Executive Director, Environmental Law & Policy Center

ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner discussed the Midwest role in the climate debate on E&E TV’s On Point.  The Midwest has the potential to be a big part of the solution and through its key swing votes, is playing a critical role in the Senate debate.  Watch the interview here.

ELPC hosted a special webinar on November 18th highlighting the potential for a solar power boom in the Midwest. Featured speakers included ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner, Staff Attorney Brad Klein and Policy Advocate Madeleine Weil. Listen to the webinar or download PDF slides.

Since ELPC published the first edition of the Community Wind Financing Guide in 2004, wind power has become the United States’ fastest-growing source of electricity. Community wind projects, which represent a small but growing share of the wind market, are largely owned by farmers and other local investors with a significant economic stake in the project. Such local ownership generates powerful economic and social benefits for rural areas.

The updated Handbook provides the latest information on financing community wind projects, including ownership structures, roles of financial intermediaries, sources of federal and state financial support and consultant/developer directories. Although building these projects has become somewhat easier over time, understanding and accessing financing opportunities remains perhaps the most important requirement for a successful project.  Download the Community Wind Financing Handbook.[pdf file]

We agree with the USDA’s recent study showing that actions to reduce greenhouse gas pollution can produce long-term gains for farmers. It’s time for strong energy and climate legislation that will boost farm income and reduce the risk of global warming.

The costs of inaction are high—farmers and agricultural industries are particularly vulnerable to changes in temperature, rainfall patterns and pests that will result from unchecked climate change. Federal climate solutions and clean energy legislation can help farmers and foresters tap into growing markets in carbon offsets, renewable energy generation, advanced biofuels and energy efficiency savings.

The USDA study, among others, shows that minimal short-term costs to farmers will soon be outpaced by significant long-term gains in income, job creation, and other rural development opportunities.

With a strong climate bill, including new investments in farm-based energy and conservation, the agricultural community can help lead efforts to protect and improve our health and environment while fueling our clean energy economy.

The committee voted to increase fiscal year 2010 funding for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) from $60 million to $128 million. The REAP program helps farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses build their own clean energy projects.

The committee also voted to increase funding for the Biorefinery Assistance program, by $17 million.

Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl, Chair of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, was a key supporter of the funding increase.  “Our nation faces historic challenges for our economy, our environment and our energy security,” Kohl said. “Farmers in Wisconsin and across the nation have much at stake and want to be part of the solution.  These funds will help lead the way toward greener energy independence.” 

Read ELPC’s press release here

Learn more about farm energy programs at FarmEnergy.org

ELPC recently helped South Dakota enact interconnection standards, the rules necessary to help small energy producers connect to the grid. ELPC Policy Advocate Matt McLarty said that gathering public input on its Small Renewable Energy Initiative is a ”critically important step.”

“If South Dakota is going to see its potential fully develop, especially in wind, this is a critical step to layer businesses, as well as small producers, to start a dialogue and get this going,” McLarty said.

Read coverage of the initiative in the Argus Leader

the public can comment on the initiative through this website