H.R. 1713 would require the Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Energy (DOE) to collaborate on research and development activities that focus on a variety of topics, including environmental science, biofuels, energy storage, invasive species management, electric grid modernization, and rural technology development. The bill also would require USDA and DOE to report to the Congress on those efforts.
Using information from the departments, CBO expects that the bill’s requirements are largely being met under current law. As a result, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1713 would have an insignificant cost, mostly for the report. Any spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
