Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP): Status and Issues

Stubbs, Megan

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.

关键词: Environmental policy;    Environmental aspects;    Environmental law enforcement;    Federal budgets;    Rescission of appropriated funds;   

RP-ID  :  R40197
RP-ID  :  R40197_2009Feb05

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

This report presents an overview of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a voluntary program that provides technical and financial assistance to eligible agricultural producers who wish to implement soil and water conservation practices. The purpose of EQIP is to promote agriculture production, forestry management, and environmental quality as compatible goals, and to optimize environmental benefits. The report also discusses select issues for Congress regarding tighter budget constraints that could potentially reduce funding levels for EQIP and a continuing backlog of unfunded applications. A change in income limitations along with a new waiver created in the 2008 farm bill could also raise issues for the program. EQIP will also continue to face challenges in measuring environmental and program accomplishments.