Rural Energy for America Program Grants Halted Pending New Regulations

USDA Rural Development announced that the Rural Energy for America Program will not be making further grant awards until Rural Business Cooperative Service updates the regulations at 7 CFR 4280 Subpart B to comply with Executive Order 14315. USDA says it will publish a new Notice of Funding Opportunity in accordance with the new regulations once they are effective, and any applicants who previously submitted an application will have the opportunity to reapply. The halt applies to any applicant that does not possess a fully executed Financial Assistance Agreement. USDA notes that REAP Guaranteed Loans will continue to be awarded during this time.