JACKSON, July 9, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director for Rural Development Dr. Trina N. George today announced that USDA is partnering with rural Americans on hundreds of clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy and create jobs for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers. Many of the projects are funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis. USDA also unveiled the “Rural Energy Resource Guide” to make it easier for rural communities to identify federal funding for clean energy, including programs made possible by President Biden’s historic Inflation Reduction Act.
The projects advance President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to create jobs and spur economic growth in rural communities through clean energy projects that lower energy costs for agriculture producers and rural small businesses and families.
“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are committed to expanding access to modern clean energy systems and fueling options,” said Dr. George. “These investments create good-paying jobs and save rural Americans money, helping businesses in Mississippi grow and continue investing in their communities.”
“We are excited to partner with hundreds more family farms and small businesses as well as rural electric cooperatives and local clean energy developers to address the impacts of climate change, grow the economy and keep rural communities throughout the country strong and resilient,” said Secretary Tom Vilsack.
In all, USDA is providing more than $375 million in funding through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy Program (PACE) and the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Both of these programs are 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.
Background: REAP
Vilsack announced nearly $100 million in loans and grants through REAP to support 473 projects in 39 states and Puerto Rico.
The REAP program helps agricultural producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families.
These investments will cut 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. In Mississippi for example:
- In Shannon, Mississippi, Mitchell Delta Distributing, LLC will use a $1,000,000 grant to install an 850-kilowatt (kW) roof-mount photovoltaic (PV) solar system to generate solar electric power. The project will generate 1,214,145 kilowatts hours (kWh) of electricity per year.
- In Monticello, Mississippi, Criston Corey will use a $99,999 grant to install vent door motors upgrade insulation, and modernized cooling systems to four poultry houses. This project will reduce energy costs by 31,003 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity and 8,000 therms of natural energy, saving $12,324 per year.
- In Waynesboro, Mississippi, Tawina Smith will use a $19,536 grant to install new equipment controllers to four poultry houses, reducing energy costs by 15,993 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity and 1,025 gallons of propane, saving $8,079 per year.
Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $2.1 billion through REAP in 7,216 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will help rural business owners lower energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen their resiliency of operations.
USDA continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024. The funding includes a dedicated portion for underutilized renewable energy technologies. For additional information, contact a local energy coordinator.
A complete list of all REAP projects can be found online.
Background: Rural Energy Resource Guide
Today, USDA also unveiled the “Rural Energy Resource Guide” which will make it easier for rural communities to identify federal funding for clean energy, including programs made possible by President Biden’s historic Inflation Reduction Act.
The guide showcases USDA Rural Development programs that are helping individuals and organizations finance renewable energy systems and infrastructure across rural America. Programs featured in the guide offer funding to:
- Make energy-efficient home repairs.
- Finance small- or large-scale energy infrastructure.
- Fund energy efficiency equipment for business and industry.
- Generate emergency energy in rural areas.
- Produce clean energy from sources such as biobased materials.
The Rural Energy Resource Guide also includes stories from Rural Development customers on ways USDA programs and services have helped them meet their clean energy needs.
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. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery Subscriber Page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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