Whereas, The Trump Administration and USDA committed this funding to Michigan’s farmers for such energy projects, and Michigan’s farmers relied on this commitment, spending their own money and taking out loans for the project costs with the understanding that they would be reimbursed; and
Whereas, The businesses impacted by the Trump Administration’s actions include Michigan’s oldest farm, Westcroft Gardens and Farm, which has been owned and operated by the same family since 1776. In 2024, USDA approved a REAP grant for a Westcroft project that would have reduced the farm’s energy costs, strengthened its financial future, and supported Michigan’s agricultural economy. In April 2026, USDA cancelled the grant, forcing the farm to absorb its investment costs and time for a project that it could no longer afford; and
Whereas, The Trump Administration’s failure to honor its promises has turned a program designed to help farmers save on energy costs and grow their business into something that could financially ruin them; and
Whereas, The clean energy projects under REAP which have been ripped away by the Trump Administration would provide real financial relief to Michigan farmers, who are now paying the price of skyrocketing monthly energy bills, high fuel and fertilizer costs from the Iran War, and tariffs that diminish their profit on the crops they export; and
Whereas, Michigan’s farmers are essential to our economy yet are amongst those hit the hardest by the Trump Administration’s reckless policies, through both energy efficiency costs rollbacks and tariffs. Farmers create Michigan’s second-most profitable industry, contributing approximately 126 billion dollars annually, feeding millions globally, and supporting more than 800,000 jobs statewide; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body call on the Trump Administration and USDA to reverse irresponsible energy decisions that are costing Michigan’s farmers millions of dollars and urge them to swiftly restore funding to farmers paying for projects they began in good faith after promises of USDA assistance; and be it further
Resolved, That we call upon Michigan’s congressional delegation to press the USDA to provide the legal basis for refusing to execute Financial Assistance Agreements, to reimburse projects that are started or completed under established program timelines and examine whether withholding these obligated funds is consistent with the Impoundment Control Act of 1974; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, and members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
Senators Singh and McBroom requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The resolution was adopted, a majority of the members voting therefor, as follows: