Federal Register #2026-13841

USDA Revises Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Loan Guarantee Program

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has released a final rule updating the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Loan Program (Section 9003). - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) - Program Overview: - Provides loan guarantees up to $250 million for eligible projects - Supports development, construction, and retrofitting of facilities using advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased products - Open to a wide range of technologies and applicants; no specific OEMs or vendors named - Notable Requirements: - Strengthens program delivery and oversight - Implements measures to prevent fraud and abuse - Prohibits borrowers or guarantors from profiting from failed projects where the government incurs a loss - Bars parties from remaining involved in projects after agency losses - No debt write-downs for borrowers retaining control of the project - Regulatory Framework: - Administered under 7 CFR 4279 Subpart C and 7 CFR 4287 Subpart D - No specific products, part numbers, or quantities are listed, as this is a loan guarantee program rather than a direct procurement of goods or services.

Description

The Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Program provides loan guarantees up to $250 million to assist in the development, construction, and retrofitting of new and emerging technologies including advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased products. The program aims to build and maintain sustainable rural communities. This final rule incorporates revisions intended to clarify, improve, and enhance the delivery of the loan guarantee program, including measures to prevent fraud and abuse and ensure long-term project success.

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