Rhode Island NRCS is using the Act Now process to deliver conservation contracting faster. Act Now allows NRCS to quickly approve and obligate a ranked application in a designated ranking pool when that application meets or exceeds a minimum threshold ranking score. Act Now allows qualifying applications to be automatically approved and move forward in the process without waiting for all applications to be ranked during a given period.
The NRCS-RI Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP Classic and EQIP-IRA) Fiscal Year 2025 applications in the ranking pools below will be streamlined:
The EQIP Classic and EQIP IRA Combustion System and Energy Initiative Act Now requires that at least one of the following primary practices are assessed, ranked and planned to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve energy efficiency. Supporting practices to these core practices also can be included and funded under this initiative.
- Combustion System Improvement (CPS 372)
- Pumping Plant (CPS 533)
- Energy Efficient Agricultural Operation (CPS 374)
- Energy Efficient Lighting System (CPS 670)
- Energy Efficient Building Envelope (CPS 672)
Minimum Threshold Ranking Score - 60 Points
EQIP Act Now Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) Implementation requires a reviewed and approved CNMP Conservation Planning Activity (CPA 102) or a CNMP Design and Implementation Activity (DIA 101) or equivalent, with a completed Inventory and Evaluation by NRCS. NRCS must have identified specific practices, location, extent and amounts to be implemented with contract limitations applied by policy. The goals of the projects will be to minimize or eliminate impacts to surface water or groundwater resources, or to minimize emissions (such as greenhouse gases) to improve air quality. Projects eligible for this pool must have completed all consultations. Supporting practices to these core practices can be included in the assessment and funded under this initiative as applicable:
- Soil and Source Testing (CPS 217)
- Waste Storage Facility (CPS 313)
- Animal Mortality Facility (CPS 316)
- Composting Facility (CPS 317)
- Roofs and Covers (CPS 367)
- Pumping Plant (CPS 533)
- Roof Runoff Structure (CPS 558)
- Access Road (CPS 560)
- Heavy Use Area Protection (CPS 561)
- Nutrient Management (CPS 590)
- Waste Transfer (CPS 634)
Minimum Threshold Ranking Score - 60 Points
Eligible applications will be batched and processed in the order they’re received, with selections made weekly. Applications eligible for the Act Now ranking pools above will be accepted on a continuous sign-up basis until June 6, 2025, or until funds have been expended.
Qualified Act Now applications will be pre-approved while funds remain available and then moved forward to contracting with your local NRCS Field Office.
Act Now streamlines the application process as part of the NRCS Equity Action Plan. This means no longer having to wait for all applications to be reviewed prior to making approvals for a ranking pool.
NRCS is a federal agency that works hand-in-hand with conservation districts and the people of Rhode Island to improve and protect soil, water, air, plants, animals, energy, habitats and other natural resources.
Source : usda.gov