GENERAL AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.

SEC. 2. [7 U.S.C. 902] GENERAL AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. (a) Loans.—The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this Act as the “Secretary”) is authorized and empowered to make loans, or refinance loans made or guaranteed by the Secretary under this Act, 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 Act, and for the purpose of assisting electric borrowers to implement demand side management, energy efficiency and 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. (c) Technical Assistance.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Energy under which the Secretary of Energy shall provide technical assistance to the Rural Utilities Service on loans to be made under subsection (a) of this section and section 4(a).