Tom Vilsack Secretary of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Official Website
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is funding over 700 clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to domestic biofuels, and create jobs for American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers. The projects, funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, aim to combat the climate crisis and advance the Investing in America agenda.
"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 stated.
Through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), USDA is providing $238 million in funding. Torres Small announced more than $194 million in loans and grants through REAP to support projects in 35 states and Puerto Rico. These projects help agricultural producers and rural small business owners expand their use of clean energy sources and make energy efficiency improvements.
"These investments will cut energy costs for family farms and other businesses, increasing their resiliency and allowing them to invest back into their communities by creating new jobs and other opportunities," Torres Small explained.
In addition, USDA is awarding over $43 million in grants through HBIIP to business owners in 15 states to increase the availability of domestic biofuels. These grants help fueling station and distribution facility owners expand access to clean and affordable fuel options.
Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $2 billion through REAP to support renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements. They continue to accept applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024.
USDA has also invested approximately $135 million to increase access to biofuels at fueling stations since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration. Applications for funding to expand access to domestic biofuels are being accepted quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life in rural areas. These investments support infrastructure improvements, business development, housing, community facilities, and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal, and high-poverty areas.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is focused on transforming America’s food system, ensuring fair markets for all producers, and making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America. To learn more about USDA's initiatives, visit www.usda.gov.