USDA updates its OneRD Guaranteed Loan Program

October 15, 2024

BY Erin Voegele

The USDA on Sept. 30 published a final rule implementing several policy and procedure revisions for its OneRD Guarantee Loan Program, which houses several of the agency’s loan programs, including the Rural Energy for America Program. 

The USDA in 2020 launched the OneRD Guarantee Loan initiative, which included a variety of regulatory reforms aimed at eliminating duplicative processes and creating a single platform for four of the agency’s key loan programs, including REAP, the Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees Program, the Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program, and the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program. The changes were designed to make it easier for lenders to access the four guaranteed loan programs.

REAP provides loan guarantees and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Solid biomass, biogas, and biofuel projects are among the renewable energy systems that are eligible for the program. 

The final rule issued Sept. 30 revises policies and procedures that the USDA said will strengthen oversight and management of the four programs. The agency said the action is part of its continuing effort to improve customer service for its lenders and create a more efficient work process for its staff. 

Advertisement

Among the changes included in the rule are amendments updating the specific application requirements for REAP projects, the REAP project priority point system, and requirements for matching funds. 

A public comment period on the rulemaking is open through Oct. 30. The rule is scheduled to take effect Nov. 29. Additional information is available on the Federal Register website.

Advertisement

Related Stories

More than 1.76 billion renewable identification numbers (RINs) were generated under the Renewable Fuel Standard in January, down from 1.91 billion generated during the same period of 2024, according to data released by the U.S. EPA on Feb. 20.

Read More

The U.S. EPA on Feb. 20 released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data showing that 13 previously denied SRE petitions for Renewable Fuel Standard compliance years 2021 and 2022 are being reconsidered. No new SRE petitions were filed.

Read More

A coalition of biofuel, agriculture, fuel retailer and petroleum trade groups on Feb. 19 sent a letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin urging the agency to set robust, timely, multiyear RFS RVOs for 2026 and beyond.

Read More

OMV Petrom has announced the start of construction for a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO) production unit at the Petrobrazi refinery in Romania. The new facility will have an annual capacity of 250,000 tons.

Read More

CVR Energy Inc. released fourth quarter financial results on Feb. 18, reporting reduced renewable diesel production. The company also said it is pausing development of SAF capacity pending clarity on government subsidies.

Read More

Upcoming Events

Sign up for our e-newsletter!

Advertisement

Advertisement