Glenn English, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), joined with other rural development and energy efficiency advocates to thank Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) for including $15.9 million in discretionary funding for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

The groups commended DeLauro's leadership: "Demand for REAP is high, with applications far exceeding available funding, as farmers look to REAP to cut their energy costs and improve their margins and productivity in these very challenging economic times."

REAP, formerly known as the Farm Bill Energy Title Sec. 9006 program, provides funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for developing renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency. The 2008 Farm Bill expanded not only the list of entities eligible for REAP funds, but also the list of eligible projects, and increased the funding to $55 million.

The additional funding demonstrates Congress's commitment to building a new energy future. Applications for REAP funds have far exceeded available funding, as farmers look to REAP to cut their energy costs and improve their margins and productivity.