USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack stated recently that it is accepting applications for $1 billion in grants to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses invest in renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements.
USDA is making the $1 billion in grants available under the Rural Energy for America Program, with funding from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, a large-scale investment in combatting the climate crisis.
“Supporting renewable energy and energy-saving systems helps the people of rural America create thriving, livable communities,” Vilsack said. “When we invest in rural communities, we are supporting hard work that sends a ripple effect across our country. Clean energy is critical to the future of our economy, and the Inflation Reduction Act provides the Biden-Harris Administration with the resources to build a more prosperous rural America while tackling the climate crisis and lowering energy costs.”
Recipients may use REAP funds to install renewable energy systems or improve energy efficiency. The funding will also include the creation of the first underutilized technology fund in the REAP program, with $144.5 million available in dedicated funding.
USDA is also interested in REAP projects that will help rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and improved infrastructure, reduce climate pollution, increase resilience to the impacts of climate change, conserve and protect farmland, and invest in underserved communities.
To ensure that small projects have a fair opportunity to compete for funding, USDA will set aside a portion of funds for grant requests of $20,000 or less.
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