Agency: Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service
Description:
To support the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which provides technical and financial assistance to producers and Indian tribes to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, increased soil health and reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, improved or new wildlife habitat, and mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility.
Bill Section:
21001(a)(1)
US Code:
16 USC 3839aa
New or Existing:
Existing
Potential Cost:
$8,450,000,000
Timeline:
FY23-31
Implementation Status/Rulemaking:
On November 21, 2022, USDA released a Request for Information (RFI, NRCS-2022-0015) on how Natural Resources Conservation Service will implement funds received under the Inflation Reduction. Comments were accepted through December 21, 2022: Source
On August 31, 2023, USDA announced $25 million of IRA funding available through FY2023 Conservation Innovation Grant On-Farm Trials, authorized as part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Applications were due November 3, 2023: Source
Applications for EQIP are accepted throughout the year. Specific state deadlines are set for ranking and funding.
TCS Notes:
This is a long-established program routinely reauthorized as part of the Farm Bill process. These funds are intended for projects funding 1+ practices that “improve soil carbon, reduce nitrogen losses or reduce, capture, avoid, or sequester carbon dioxide, methane, or nitrous oxide emissions.”
IRA funds are allocated on a fiscal year basis from 2023 to 2026 and remain available through FY2031
(A) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
(B) $1,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
(C) $3,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
(D) $3,450,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
Other TCS Resources:
Agricultural Conservation Spending Bump in Reconciliation Bill