Q: When will the USDA release the final rules and restart the BCAP program?

From the April 2010 Forest2Fuel newsletter.

A: The USDA received more than 24,000 comments on the BCAP proposed rule. Understandably, it will take some time for these comments to be read, digested and aggregated, and for the rule-making process to be complete. Isolated press reports suggest June or October as potential timeframes for release of the final rules.

Don’t be surprised, though, if the USDA takes its time releasing the final rules for the matching payment program. That may even be a good thing. For the program to accomplish its goals, these incentives should follow demand. Most new facility announcements are targeting 2012 or later as start-up dates. A delay in the program would mean the two-year timeframe for payments would be in effect when more demand is online, thereby increasing the chances the program will be successful.

To view the full BCAP Proposed Rule document, go to: www.fsa.usda.gov

Additional BCAP Q & A:
Q: Which states received the highest total matching payments? Answer
Q: Which regions received the most funding? Answer
Q: Why were payments so heavily weighted toward forest materials? Answer
Q: The $170 million question: What did the American taxpayer get for the $170,112,607 in BCAP matching payments? Answer
Q: How can the goals of the BCAP Matching Payment Program be met? Answer

To register and read more about the Forest2Fuel e-Newsletter, click here.