Sec. 103. Voluntary debt forgiveness and transition assistance program for animal feeding operations

302 words·~1 min read·/bill/118/s/271/is/section-103

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In this section, the term eligible entity means an owner of an AFO. In this section, the term eligible entity does not include an owner of an AFO that is an integrator. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall carry out a program to provide grants to eligible entities to permanently transition from operating an AFO to carrying out other activities on the property on which the AFO is located. Under the program established under subsection (b), the Secretary shall provide grants to eligible entities— to partially or fully pay off any outstanding debt of the eligible entity that was incurred to construct and operate the AFO; and to cover costs relating to the transition of the property on which the AFO is located to be used for alternative agriculture activities, such as raising pasture-based livestock, growing specialty crops, or organic commodity production.

As a condition of receiving a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall provide to the Secretary a working lands easement on the property on which the AFO is located that prohibits— the operation of the AFO and any associated waste management system on the easement area; and the use of the easement area for a spray field or land application of manure at rates exceeding crop agronomic requirements for nitrogen and phosphorus. On the first October 1 after the date of enactment of this Act, and on each October 1 thereafter, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000,000, to remain available until expended.

The Secretary shall be entitled to receive, shall accept, and shall use to carry out this section the funds transferred under paragraph (1), without further appropriation.