Rural energy programs cut under House panel's version of farm bill

The Hill
By Zack Colman - 07/05/12 05:38 PM ET

Five rural energy programs will end while others will be slimmed down if a draft version of the 2012 farm bill released Thursday becomes law.

The cuts, made by leaders of the House Agriculture Committee, will total about $500 million, according to the draft legislation, which "streamlines current programs, enhances program integrity, and repeals five programs that have outlived their usefulness."

The five energy programs on the chopping block are the Repowering Assistance Program, Biofuels Infrastructure Study, Renewable Fertilizer Study, Rural Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative and the Forest Biomass for Energy Program.

There's no guarantee these programs will cease to exist. The legislation must be passed by the House. And the Senate has its own version of the farm bill, which would have to be reconciled with the lower chamber's.

Read more