Section 21002 appropriates the following amounts to USDA for the fiscal year 2022, with such funds to be available until September 30, 2031:
1) $1 billion to provide conservation technical assistance through the National Resources Conservation Service (“NRCS”); and
2) $300 million to carry out a carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions quantification program. The NRCS must, itself or through technical service providers and other partners, collect field-based data to assess program outcomes and used to track both emissions and carbon sequestration trends through the Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Assessment Program.
In addition to the above amounts, $100 million is appropriated to USDA for administrative costs relating to implementation of the programs covered by the section.
USDA is prohibited from entering into any agreements under this section that have a term extending beyond, or under which payments could be made after, September 30, 2031. The use of other funds available to USDA to satisfy its obligations under this section is also prohibited.
Current Status:
Trump Administration Actions:
- Litigation Compliance Report Indicates USDA Released Previously Frozen Awards [04/23/2025]
- OMB Orders Temporary Pause on Financial Assistance Programs, Later Rescinded [01/27/2025]
- OMB Clarifies Scope of the Order to Halt IRA Spending [01/21/2025]
- Trump Issues Executive Order to Halt All IRA Funding Disbursements [01/20/2025]
Implementation Status at End of Biden Administration:
The IRA appropriated $100 million to USDA for administrative expenses, which are fully allocated. $1.3 billion appropriated through the National Resources Conservation Service. No funding has been allocated as of December 2024. $1 billion in conservation technical assistance and $300 million to carry out a carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions quantification program remain available until September 30, 2031.
Biden Administration Actions:
- White House Releases IRA Guidebook for Tribes [04/04/2023]
- USGS Announces 2023 Lidar Partnership Awards [03/22/2023]
Litigation:
In Cultivate KC v. USDA (formerly Butterbee Farm v. USDA) (filed March 13, 2025), farmers and nonprofit organizations sued USDA to compel the agency to unfreeze funds awarded under four IRA programs. On May 19, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. On June 2, USDA filed its answer to the amended complaint. On July 18, the plaintiffs filed a motion for summary judgment. On August 17, USDA filed a cross-motion for summary judgment.