7 U.S.C. § 902 : US Code - Section 902: General authority of Secretary of Agriculture

Search 7 U.S.C. § 902 : US Code - Section 902: General authority of Secretary of Agriculture

(a) Loans
The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this chapter as the
"Secretary") is authorized and empowered to make loans in the
several States and Territories of the United States for rural
electrification and for the purpose of furnishing and improving
electric and telephone service in rural areas, as provided in this
chapter, and for the purpose of assisting electric borrowers to
implement demand side management, energy conservation programs, and
on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems.
(b) Investigations and reports
The Secretary may make, or cause to be made, studies,
investigations, and reports regarding matters, including financial,
technological, and regulatory matters, affecting the condition and
progress of electric, telecommunications, and economic development
in rural areas, and publish and disseminate information with
respect to the matters.