The Bush administration has proposed virtually eliminating funding for innovative new clean energy programs created in the 2002 Farm Bill. These merit-based programs help farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses purchase renewable energy systems (e.g., wind turbines, solar electric panels and biomass energy generation equipment) and to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes and businesses.  The Agriculture subcomittee of the Appropriations Committee in the House has the pivotal responsibility of recommending spending levels for these important programs - possibly in the next few weeks.