Press Release
☷Biden Harris Administration Invests $2 3 Billion in Projects to Expand Affordable Reliable Clean Power in Rural Communities Through Investing in America Agenda
U.S. Department of Agriculture ( By Press Release office)
Mar 08,2024
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In a speech at a meeting in San Antonio , Secretary Tom Vilsack of the U . S . Department of Agriculture announced that the government is investing in clean energy projects in 23 states . This initiative aims to reduce pollution and strengthen rural America ' s power grid . The first five projects , totaling $139 million , have been awarded under the Powering Affordable Clean Energy program . Additionally , $2 . 2 billion has been granted to 39 projects to ensure reliable electricity access for over 2 million people in rural areas . Vilsack emphasized the importance of rural electric cooperatives in delivering power and highlighted the administration ' s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future . These investments will lower energy costs , create jobs , and enhance economic prosperity . The funding will support renewable energy technology deployment and transmission line upgrades . The projects will also contribute to energy independence , prevent power outages during extreme weather events , and benefit disadvantaged communities . The announcement aligns with President Biden ' s Justice40 Initiative , which aims to direct 40 percent of the benefits from federal climate and clean energy investments to marginalized communities . Specifically , the Powering Affordable Clean Energy program will support projects in Arizona , Colorado , Hawaii , and Nebraska . One example is Trico Electric Cooperative Inc . in Arizona , which is seeking $83 . 5 million to expand its battery energy storage system and provide reliable electricity to Tucson and the Pascua Yaqui Reservation . So , there ' s some funding up for grabs to help these cooperatives cut their carbon emissions in half by 2032 . La Plata Electric Association in Colorado needs $13 . 4 million to save money on energy costs and bring affordable clean solar energy to its members , including those in disadvantaged communities and tribal reservations . Meanwhile , Kauai Island Utility Cooperative in Hawaii wants $24 . 4 million to boost solar energy production and reduce fossil fuel use during peak hours . And there are a couple of other cooperatives in Nebraska seeking funding for solar and energy storage projects . This funding is part of the PACE program thanks to President Biden ' s Inflation Reduction Act , and USDA is also investing in electric infrastructure projects across rural America . Overall , these projects aim to improve access to reliable electricity and boost economic growth in rural areas . We ' re investing $5 million to build and improve power lines in eastern Texas , connecting 2 , 200 customers to reliable electricity . A big chunk of this investment , around $10 million , will go towards advancing our smart grid technologies . This will benefit rural business owners , families , and individuals in multiple states across the country . President Biden ' s Inflation Reduction Act is the largest investment in rural electrification since 1936 . It aims to expand clean energy , create jobs , and promote economic growth . USDA Rural Development is providing historic funding for renewable energy infrastructure and energy - efficient improvements . In May 2023 , we made nearly $11 billion available through various programs . We ' re moving forward with the first round of awards and will announce more in the future . Our Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program ensures access to electricity in rural areas , improving economic opportunity and quality of life . USDA Rural Development also supports infrastructure improvements , business development , housing , community facilities , and high - speed internet access in rural and high - poverty areas . Visit the Rural Data Gateway to see the impact of our investments in rural America . USDA is committed to positively impacting the lives of all Americans every day . The Biden - Harris Administration is changing America ' s food system under the USDA . They ' re focusing on local and regional food production , making markets fairer for all producers , and ensuring everyone has access to safe and healthy food . They ' re also helping farmers and producers by using climate - smart practices and investing in rural infrastructure and clean energy . Plus , they ' re working towards equity and diversity within the USDA . To find out more , go to www . usda . gov . If you want to get updates from USDA Rural Development , go to the GovDelivery subscriber page . #USDA treats everyone equally .
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