U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new partnership with farmers and small business owners in Pennsylvania to expand access to clean energy, create jobs, and reduce energy costs. This initiative is part of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program. The funding includes 654 grants for small businesses and farms across the country to implement cost-saving, clean energy systems.
The programs are supported by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which is described as "the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis." Vice President Harris emphasized the administration's commitment to rural communities: “For far too long, rural communities throughout America did not receive the resources they deserve. That is why President Biden and I worked to increase investments in these communities—from supporting their small businesses, to targeting resources toward their health care, education, and economic well-being.”
Secretary Vilsack added that these investments will support rural communities transitioning to clean energy while driving economic prosperity. The New ERA program has allocated $20.5 million to Allegheny Electric Cooperative in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This funding aims to reduce energy costs for approximately 235,000 households served by Allegheny’s electric distribution cooperatives.
In addition to this investment, USDA is committing $126 million through REAP grants for 654 projects across 39 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. These projects include a nearly $294,000 grant for Farmer Boy Ag Inc. in Pennsylvania to install a solar photovoltaic system expected to save over $35,000 annually.
The USDA also announced an additional $600 million available through REAP until 2027 as part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
These initiatives align with the Justice40 Initiative under the Biden-Harris Administration aiming for equitable benefits from federal investments reaching disadvantaged communities.
For more information on these programs or how they impact rural America visit www.rd.usda.gov or subscribe via GovDelivery Subscriber Page.
