Biden-Harris Investing in America agenda lowers energy costs for rural business owners and ag producers
As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Dr. Karama Neal announced that USDA is making $21 million in technical assistance grants available through the Rural Energy for America Program to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses access federal funds for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements.
“Rural America deserves its share of the historic investments in the Inflation Reduction Act,” Neal said. “That’s why the Biden-Harris Administration is making sure rural people get a fair chance at grants to make energy more affordable, create new economic opportunity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The technical assistance grants I am announcing today will provide hands-on support to farmers, ranchers and rural small-business owners seeking federal funds for renewable energy systems, like wind and solar, and energy efficiency measures. These investments not only help producers and small businesses lower energy costs, but also access new markets and strengthen their operations.”
USDA Rural Development Colorado State Director Armando Valdez added, “USDA Rural Development offers these technical assistance grants to ensure fair opportunities for rural businesses, farmers and ranchers to access the Rural Energy for America Program. This unique option empowers rural Colorado to make climate-smart investments in rural infrastructure to help Colorado, and America, build back better and stronger.
“This funding greatly enhances the ability of smaller projects to participate in REAP. All of these investments and resources are targeting economic prosperity for rural America and are made possible through the landmark Inflation Reduction Act. This investment is great for Colorado and great for a robust future in rural communities.”
The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.