Energy & Environment
Feds to Support Energy Projects
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced recently that it has $25.4 million in funding available to help agricultural producers and small rural businesses complete a variety of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
Tom Vilsack
The agency is seeking applications for its Rural Energy for America Program, which is designed to cut energy costs and consumption of farmers and small rural businesses.
“Renewable energy development presents an enormous economic opportunity for rural America,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “This funding will assist rural farmers, ranchers and business owners build renewable energy projects, providing opportunities for new technologies, create green jobs and help America become more energy self-sufficient.”
The agency’s budget for the project will support at least $12 million in grants and nearly $48 million in guaranteed loan awards.
USDA is currently accepting applications for the following:
• renewable energy system and energy-efficiency improvement grants and combination grants and guaranteed loans, through March 30;
• renewable energy system and energy-efficiency improvement guaranteed loans only, on a continuous basis through June 29;
• renewable energy system feasibility studies, through March 30; and
• energy audits and renewable energy development assistance, through Feb. 21.
More information about the program can be found in the .
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Tags: Department of Agriculture, Energy and Environment, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy