Solar Industry
The U.S. House of Representatives has unexpectedly failed to pass its version of the farm bill, dashing the hopes of those pushing for funding for renewable energy programs. The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act went down to defeat in a 195-234 vote. According to reports, many Republicans defied their leadership, which supported the bill, over the issues of agriculture subsidies and food stamps. A majority of Democrats voted against the bill.
Earlier, the House Rules Committee scuttled an amendment to the bill floated by Democrats to attach more than $1 billion in mandatory funding over the next five years for Energy Title programs, including the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP provides grants and loans to help rural businesses and agricultural producers invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, including solar and small wind projects.
The move, which was introduced by Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, came after the House took up the farm bill that passed through committee in May without REAP funding.
In early June, the Senate passed a comprehensive farm bill that included REAP provisions to the tune of $68.2 million in mandatory funding and $20 million in annual funding for fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
There was hope that even if the House bill passed without REAP funding, a version reconciled with the Senate’s version in conference would provide for some funding for renewable energy.
