SALT LAKE CITY, April 29, 2024 – In honor of Earth Day 2024, State Director Michele Weaver announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is funding eight clean energy projects to lower energy bills, create jobs and new market opportunities for Utah small businesses and farms in Emery, Grand, San Juan, Uintah and Wayne counties. Most of today’s projects are funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis.
“As we celebrate Earth Day this year, we are pleased to support rural small businesses and farms with clean energy projects.” Weaver said. “Sustainable practices create climate smart, healthy alternatives that promote energy independence and increase resiliency.”
In all, USDA is providing over $1 million in funding to Utah rural small businesses and agricultural producers through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). These investments will reduce energy costs for family farms and other businesses, increasing their resiliency and allowing them to invest back into their communities by creating new jobs and other opportunities. For example:
- In Green River, Lee Ross Thayn will use a $414,000 grant to purchase and install a 414-kW solar array to develop a renewable energy system. The project is expected to save the agricultural producer $50,320 yearly and replace 559,112 kWh which is 100 percent of their average energy use each year.
- In Hanksville, Bull Mountain Market plans to use a $153,275 grant towards purchasing and installing an 81.76 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system for their small business. The system will be roof and ground-mounted on their property and will produce and use 136,242 kWh annually, which is enough electricity to power at least seven homes. The PV system is expected to save $12,2065 yearly and was designed to replace 111 percent of the annual electric demand and account for anticipated growth of the business.
- In Vernal, Naples Auto Sales Inc. will receive a $131,916 grant to develop a renewable energy system. Project funds will allow the rural small auto sales and service dealership to purchase and install a 64.61kW solar array. This project will replace 100 percent of their yearly energy consumption of 90,720 kWh resulting in a yearly savings of $10,886.
The investments we announced today are included in a national announcement made by Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small during her visit to Erie, Pennsylvania, on April 23, where she highlighted clean energy projects and domestic biofuel expansion, in recognition of Earth Day.
The projects advance President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to grow the nation’s economy from the middle out and bottom up. They will create jobs and spur economic growth in rural communities by increasing competition in agricultural markets, lowering costs and build more clean energy projects.
The REAP program is part of the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy and other investment areas flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ut.
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