NRECA applauds House approval of Farm Bill

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jim Matheson recently welcomed the House advancement of the Farm Bill, which includes several electric cooperative priorities.

“The Farm Bill is crucial for the future of rural America, which makes it a priority for America’s electric cooperatives,” Matheson said. “The House bill includes critical support for expanded rural broadband access and improved rural economic development programs used by electric co-ops to improve the quality of life in their communities. We welcome House passage of the bill, which will help ensure that the future of rural America remains bright.”

NRECA praised provisions in the bill that create a broadband grant program for rural areas at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and dedicates additional funding to rural broadband grants and loans.

The Farm Bill also maintains or expands rural economic development programs as well as initiatives to help co-ops modernize the electric grid and accelerate the development of renewable energy resources. It also includes tools for financing rural electrification.

“Over the past decade, these USDA programs have saved and created thousands of jobs in rural America while expanding essential services,” Matheson said.

NRECA has expressed concerns about the Senate Farm Bill, which would retroactively impact escrow accounts for rural electrification. The association has warned the bill would likely result in increased costs for electric cooperative consumers.