Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025
The Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025 would make it easier for agricultural producers to access funds for emergency conservation actions by allowing upfront advance payments. Specifically, it lets producers receive a portion of the payment before starting work: up to 75% for replacement or rehabilitation of fencing or other emergency measures (based on fair market value) and up to 50% for repairs (also based on fair market value). The bill also expands what counts as a wildfire eligible for ECP payments. Additionally, for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), the bill creates an option to receive up to 75% of the project cost in advance, with a requirement to return any unspent funds within 180 days. Overall, the bill aims to speed access to funds during emergencies while adding accountability for funds that are not spent.
Key Points
- 1Allows advance payments under the Emergency Conservation Program: up to 75% for replacement or rehabilitation costs and up to 50% for repairs, prior to starting work; payments are based on the fair market value as determined by the Secretary.
- 2Expands wildfire eligibility: includes wildfires not caused naturally, including those caused by the Federal Government, if the damage is due to natural spread of the fire.
- 3Improves the Emergency Forest Restoration Program: authorizes advance payments of up to 75% of the cost for emergency measures on nonindustrial private forest land, based on fair market value using NRCS Field Office Technical Guide cost estimates.
- 4Accountability for unused funds: any advance funds not expended within 180 days must be returned within a reasonable timeframe determined by the Secretary.
- 5Administrative basis: determinations and methods rely on standards present in the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 and NRCS guidance (e.g., fair market value determinations and Field Office Technical Guide).