Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

A prior section 3839aa–3, Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, § 1240C, as added Pub. L. 104–127, title III, § 334, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1000, related to evaluation of offers and payments, prior to the general amendment of this part by Pub. L. 107–171.

2018—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–334 substituted “this subpart” for “this part” in introductory provisions.

2014—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–79, § 2204(1), substituted “conservation” for “environmental” before “benefits”.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 113–79, § 2204(2), substituted “purposes of the program” for “purpose of the environmental quality incentives program specified in section 3839aa(1) of this title” before semicolon.

2008—Pub. L. 110–246, § 2504, amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “In evaluating applications for cost-share payments and incentive payments, the Secretary shall accord a higher priority to assistance and payments that—

“(1) encourage the use by producers of cost-effective conservation practices; and

“(2) address national conservation priorities.”

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of Title 7, Agriculture.