REAP Could Benefit Farmers, Waterways

The bipartisan Resource Enhancement and Protection Act of Pennsylvania (REAP) is a legislative proposal that would support essential pollution reduction projects on Pennsylvania farms. 

REAP would provide state tax credits to help farmers and businesses finance a variety of conservation practices. REAP would give qualifying farmers a state tax credit equal to 50 to 75 percent of the cost of eligible conservation practices — up to $150,000 per farm. This tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction that can be applied to business and individual state taxes. Farmers could use the tax credit to reduce their own tax bill (carrying it over for up to 15 years) or sell it to another taxpayer for cash. REAP would also allow a business to help finance a project on a private farm and, in return, receive the tax credit. Two REAP bills have been introduced: HB 100 and SB 690. Over 50 conservation groups have publicly announced their support for REAP. http://www.cbf.org/REAP.