Mission

The 2002 Farm Bill started to tap the potential of rural America to provide clean renewable energy. Several programs in the 2002 Farm Bill helped to jump start growth in biofuels, biogas, wind power, solar and energy efficiency. American farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses have responded enthusiastically, with growing applications far exceeding program resources.

 

New Farm Bill Boosts Clean Energy Programs

May 22, 2008 - Congress overrode the President's veto of the Farm Bill, including a significant clean energy development component. The legislation has improved and new programs for wind power, advanced biofuels, energy efficiency, solar power and new energy crops for cleaner energy from America's farmers, ranchers and rural businesses. "These programs are good for all Americans - they are a win-win-win for our energy security, environment, and economy," said Howard Learner, ELPC's Executive Director. Read the full press release.

 

Senate Passes Farm Bill, Stronger Energy Title Still Lacks Robust Funding

December 17, 2007 - The U.S. Senate passed the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 by a vote of 79-14 last Friday. The Farm Bill now moves to a House and Senate conference committee, slated to be finished before the end of the year. The Senate Farm Bill resulted in less funding than the House Farm Bill, however it is a step in the right direction for energy programs to help farmers and rural communities. To read more, go to www.Farmenergy.org.

 

ELPC continues to lead national efforts to preserve and expand the clean energy development provisions in the Federal Farm Bill. The successful Farm Bill - Clean Energy programs are a win-win-win for farmers, rural economic development and the environment. They produce a new income stream for farmers and ranchers, create jobs and enhance rural economic development, and provide environmental quality benefits for everyone. The cornerstone of the Energy Title of the Farm Bill is Section 9006, the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Investments program. To learn more please visit Farm Bill Clean Energy. Information is also available regarding Clean Renewable Energy Bonds.

Community Wind Financing

ELPC promotes community wind power projects because local farmers and other investors retain most of the project income, which also increases local and regional support for wind power. The Community Wind Finance Handbook (.pdf file) explains the options for structuring and financing community-based wind power projects. The Midwest/Great Plains Wind Map (.pdf file) shows the locations of all existing and planned wind power projects in the region.