$275 million will be allocated through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program, which promotes clean electrification in rural areas such as Alaska, Arizona, Kentucky and Nebraska.
The USDA will provide $100 million in grants and loans via the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) across 39 states and Puerto Rico.
Notable projects include $100 million for battery storage systems in Alaska and $82,000 for an energy-efficient grain dryer in New York.
Key quote:
“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.”
— Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
Why this matters:
According to the Biden administration, the $11-billion IRA funds it promised in 2023 is the most significant investment in rural electrification since the 1930's New Deal. Investing in rural renewable energy projects helps combat climate change while supporting the economic stability and resilience of rural communities. This funding represents a significant effort to modernize rural energy infrastructure, promoting sustainability and energy efficiency.
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