On April 23, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is funding more than 700 clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to domestic biofuels and create jobs and new market opportunities for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers.

The projects include 55 in Pennsylvania.

Many of the projects are funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis.

The projects advance President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to grow the nation’s economy from the middle out and bottom up.

They will create jobs and spur economic growth in rural communities by increasing competition in agricultural markets, lowering costs and build more clean energy projects.

“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are committed to expanding access to modern clean energy systems and fueling options that strengthen the nation’s energy independence while creating good-paying jobs and saving people money,” Deputy Secretary Torres Small said. “As we celebrate Earth Day this year, we are excited to partner with hundreds more family farms and small businesses to address the impacts of climate change, grow the economy and keep rural communities throughout the country strong and resilient.”

In all, USDA is providing $238 million in funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP).

Click Here for the list of projects, including 55 in Pennsylvania.

Click Here for the complete announcement.

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NewsClips:

-- Inquirer Guest Essay: You Don’t Need To ‘Sacrifice’ Chester For Europe’s LNG Gas Security - By Lisa Badum, Member Of German Bundestag Since 2017

-- DEP: Pennsylvania To Receive Over $156 Million For Solar For All Initiative

-- Post-Gazette - Anya Litvak: PA Plans To Roll Out Solar Access Plan With New $156 Million Federal Grant

-- Pittsburgh Business Times: Coherent Announces 70% Of Its Electric Needs From Renewables

-- York Daily Record: York County Commissioners Approve C-PACE Program To Help Businesses Fund Renewable Energy, Conservation

-- TribLive Guest Essay: Shapiro Addressing Climate Crisis Head On Through Good Transportation Policy - By Pittsburghers For Public Transit

-- Pittsburgh Business Times: Eos Utility-Scale Battery Storage Company Sees Manufacturing Line Ready By This Quarter

-- The Allegheny Front: US Energy Secretary Visits Pittsburgh Steel Plant To Tout New Energy Efficiency Rule, Union Jobs

-- Post-Gazette Editorial: Saving Butler Steel Mill From New Federal Rules Was Inspired Policymaking

[Posted: April 25, 2024]

4/29/2024