A resolution to urge the President of the United States and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fully honor its commitments to Michigan Rural Energy for America (REAP) participating farmers and to reimburse projects built in good faith under REAP guidance.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sean McCann and 1 co-sponsor

Urges the U.S. to honor REAP funding commitments to Michigan farmers by reimbursing costs for energy projects started under those promises.

ADOPTED

Summary of Senate Resolution No. 133 (2025-2026) – Michigan

Main purpose and intent

SR 133 is a resolution urging the President of the United States and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fully honor commitments made under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to participating Michigan farmers.

The resolution seeks reimbursement to projects that were planned and initiated in good faith under REAP guidance, arguing that withholding funds undermines farmers and the broader Michigan agricultural economy.

Key provisions and changes proposed

Formal appeal to federal leadership: The resolution requests the President and USDA to reverse decisions that the sponsors characterize as failing to honor REAP commitments.

Reimbursement directive: It urges reimbursement for REAP-related energy projects that were started or completed in reliance on USDA funding promises.

Legal basis review: It requests Michigan’s congressional delegation to press the USDA for the legal grounds behind withholding Financial Assistance Agreements and to assess whether actions align with the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.

Accountability and relief emphasis: The resolution frames the issue as a breach of trust that has financially harmed farmers who paid project costs with the expectation of federal reimbursement.

Public statement and outreach: It directs that copies be sent to the President, congressional leadership, and Michigan’s delegation, signaling a formal stance and seeking broader political and administrative attention.

Who or what would be affected

Affected party group: Michigan farmers and agribusinesses that participated in REAP projects, particularly energy efficiency and renewable energy installations (e.g., solar projects).

Federal-funding context: The resolution centers on REAP funding commitments allegedly made by the Trump Administration and USDA and seeks restoration of those funds.

Stakeholders referenced: Michigan’s oldest farm Westcroft Gardens and Farm, among others cited as having had REAP projects approved and subsequently canceled or rescinded.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced and immediately moved through Rules (suspension) and adopted on June 18, 2026.

Legislative action: A Senate resolution, not a bill proposing new law, aimed at urging federal action rather than altering Michigan law.

Next steps: As a resolution, it serves to express the Senate’s position and appeal to federal authorities; it does not itself authorize or allocate funds.

Notable context and considerations

Background claim: The resolution asserts that REAP funding was approved for Michigan projects and later canceled by the USDA, leaving farmers with unreimbursed costs and incomplete projects.

Economic stakes: The sponsors emphasize the importance of farming to Michigan’s economy and job base, arguing that energy costs and tariffs have already pressured farmers.

Potential impact if echoed federally: If federal action follows these calls, affected projects could receive reconsideration, reimbursement, or new guidance to restore REAP-funded installations.

This summary presents the resolution’s objectives and potential practical implications while noting its nature as a symbolic, apolitical resolution designed to prompt federal accountability rather than enact state policy changes.