USDA Seeks Feedback on Rural Energy Program Paperwork Updates
Published Date: 3/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service is updating the paperwork for the Rural Energy for America program and wants your feedback by May 1, 2026. This change affects farmers and small rural businesses applying for energy grants or loans, aiming to make the process clearer and less time-consuming. No big cost changes yet, but your input could help shape a smoother, smarter form-filling experience!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Providing Data Affects REAP Eligibility
If you apply for REAP guaranteed loans or grants for renewable energy systems or energy-efficiency improvements, the data you provide will be used to determine eligibility. Furnishing the data is voluntary, but failure to provide required information could result in program benefits being withheld or denied.
Paperwork Update for REAP Applicants
If you are an agricultural producer or a rural small business applying for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants or loans, USDA plans to revise the REAP application paperwork and is asking for comments by May 1, 2026. The agency says the change aims to make the forms clearer and less time-consuming; it estimates an average public reporting burden of 3.43 hours per response and lists 3,366 respondents and a total annual burden of 156,867 hours.
Paperwork Burden on Nonprofits and Universities
The agency identifies the respondents to this information collection as nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher education, estimating 3,366 respondents who each average 13.58 responses, for a total of 45,731 responses and an estimated 156,867 annual burden hours. The average burden is estimated at 3.43 hours per response.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20178, Unleashing American Energy and Economic Prosperity; Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
The USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is shaking things up! Now, only projects that are already built and running can apply, using real energy data from the past year. This new way speeds up applications, cuts red tape, and focuses on rewarding projects that prove they save energy and money, starting October 2026.
2026-18511, Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Agriculture Innovation Center Demonstration (AIC) Program 2026
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2026-18173, Notice of Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection: OMB No. 0570-0069 Rural Development Loan Modernization Initiative
The USDA is updating how it collects info for the Rural Development Loan Modernization Initiative, which helps rural businesses and communities get loans. They want your thoughts on making the process easier and clearer, with comments due by November 3, 2026. This update aims to keep things smooth without adding extra hassle or costs for folks involved.
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The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS), together make up the Rural Development (RD or the Agency) mission area within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). RD is issuing this proposed rule to rescind its regulation regarding construction and repairs. RD found this regulation to be unnecessary and unduly burdensome. In addition, it makes changes to RBCS regulations by removing references to the construction and repair regulations. The plain language summary of the proposal is available on Regulations.gov in the docket for rulemaking.
2026-13841, Revisions to the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Loan Program
Starting July 9, 2026, the USDA is updating its loan program that helps build cool new biofuel and renewable chemical factories. These changes make sure borrowers play fair and stick with their projects, stopping anyone who causes money losses from staying involved. With up to $250 million in loan guarantees, this update keeps the program strong and focused on real, long-term success.
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