BINS Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 4852
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-22: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-02T20:50:46Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill aims to expand access to federal loans for agricultural storage by including facilities for fertilizer, allowing farmers and producers to finance infrastructure that supports nutrient storage and handling.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Short Title: The legislation is named the "Building Infrastructure for Nutrient Storage Act of 2026" or "BINS Act of 2026."
- Amendment to Existing Law: It modifies Section 1614(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to add "fertilizer" to the list of eligible items for farm storage facility loans, following "renewable biomass."
- Rulemaking Requirement: The Secretary of Agriculture must update federal regulations (specifically part 1436 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations) within 180 days of enactment to cover fertilizer-related loans, including at minimum:
- Dry bins and dry flat storage.
- Fertilizer blenders.
- Liquid tanks.
- Anhydrous ammonia pressure vessels.
- Related infrastructure such as foundations, electrical systems, conveyors, plumbing, piping, and pumps for receiving, storing, and removing fertilizer products.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
The bill expands the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program, previously limited to commodities like grain and renewable biomass, to now include fertilizer storage. This represents a targeted addition to eligibility criteria without altering loan terms, interest rates, or other core program rules.
Potential Impacts on Government Agencies, Citizens, or International Relations
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) would handle expanded loan applications and update regulatory guidance, potentially increasing administrative workload for the Farm Service Agency.
- Citizens: Agricultural producers could gain new financing options for storage infrastructure, which may support better on-farm nutrient management and reduce reliance on off-site facilities.
- International Relations: No direct effects are outlined in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Farmers and agricultural producers seeking loans for storage.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture, responsible for program administration and rulemaking.
- Fertilizer manufacturers, suppliers, and related equipment providers.
- Rural communities and agribusinesses involved in crop production and nutrient handling.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill is a straightforward amendment to an existing agricultural statute with no apparent constitutional conflicts, as it falls within Congress's authority over federal spending and farm programs. It was introduced with bipartisan sponsorship and referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, indicating a focus on domestic policy without broader legal challenges noted in the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-22: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- 2026-06-22: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Building Infrastructure for Nutrient Storage Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-22 — PDF (2 pages)