Latest news with #EmpoweringRuralAmerica
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Administration backs major initiative powering rural communities across the country: 'It just makes sense for us to use it'
Since President Trump took office, many federal grant programs have been threatened, resulting in staff layoffs, reduced services, and much uncertainty. But some positive news is that a $595 million rural renewable energy plan is moving forward under the current administration. Wisconsin Public Radio reported that the Trump administration affirmed the Biden-era grant under the Empowering Rural America program. The grant recipient is the La Crosse, Wisconsin-based Dairyland Power Cooperative, a rural electric cooperative pursuing renewable energy projects through the Department of Agriculture. With funding intact, Dairyland will work on clean energy projects in Wisconsin and neighboring states. It will do this through transmission line upgrades to secure a more reliable grid to meet growing demands and use all available resources. The news that Dairyland secured its grant is encouraging given the frozen and uncertain Inflation Reduction Act funding. Amy Barrilleaux from the renewable energy group Clean Wisconsin said that farmers in the state have also been able to access Rural Energy for America program funding. Meanwhile, some homeowners and nonprofits have been able to get funds for their rooftop solar projects. Although some grants through this program focus on dirty energy sources such as coal and oil, there is ample space for wind and solar solutions. The Trump administration aims for energy independence, so non-oil-producing states such as Wisconsin can benefit from grants that promote rural sustainability. Diversifying resources is a significant part of the Empowering Rural America program, which aligns with Trump's plan to focus on American-produced energy and natural resources. "We know that the energy we produce right here in Wisconsin is affordable and it's available, and it just makes sense for us to use it," Barrilleaux said. With the approved Dairyland grant as a precedent and source of hope, perhaps additional renewable energy projects and transmission infrastructure can hold on to the funding they were once promised for a cleaner, more sustainable planet. Should the government continue to give tax incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades? Absolutely No Depends on the upgrade I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "Great to see this example of the Administration taking a common sense approach to energy, and why [economic development] organizations must stay focused on understanding what tools they have in their cleantech-led economic development toolbox," Aaron Brickman from RMI, a nonprofit focused on energy transition and industrial decarbonization, wrote on LinkedIn. "This rural energy project is good for [Wisconsin] and good for American energy abundance." "A reminder that regardless of political winds, renewable energy continues to prove its value for communities and the economy," wrote Jessica Niekrasz from BioFerm on LinkedIn. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
USDA removes diversity, climate change requirements from rural grants
March 26 (UPI) -- U.S. Department of Agriculture removed prior requirements related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility and climate change from rural grant funding requests to support U.S. energy independence and rural communities. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Tuesday announced the changes to previously obligated funding through the Rural Energy for America Program, Empowering Rural America and Powering Affordable Clean Energy programs. The process gives rural electric providers and small businesses the chance revise their funding applications to eliminate the Biden administration's DEIA requirements and climate mandates that were embedded in prior proposals. "President Trump made tackling America's energy emergency a top priority from day one," Rollins said. "This review allows rural energy providers and small businesses to align their projects with that mission." Rollins said the USDA is ensuring the federal funds support U.S. energy production while supporting the nation's farmers, ranchers and small businesses. She said the revisions are needed as the nation moves away from the Inflation Reduction Act that former President Joe Biden signed into law and toward practical energy investments that address the needs of rural communities. "The IRA was marketed as a cure-all but delivered more bureaucracy than benefits for rural families," Rollins said. "This course correction puts those investments back to work to support President Trump's vision for energy independence and sets rural America on a path to lasting prosperity."
Miami Herald
26-03-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
USDA removes diversity, climate change requirements from rural grants
March 26 (UPI) -- U.S. Department of Agriculture removed prior requirements related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility and climate change from rural grant funding requests to support U.S. energy independence and rural communities. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Tuesday announced the changes to previously obligated funding through the Rural Energy for America Program, Empowering Rural America and Powering Affordable Clean Energy programs. The process gives rural electric providers and small businesses the chance revise their funding applications to eliminate the Biden administration's DEIA requirements and climate mandates that were embedded in prior proposals. "President Trump made tackling America's energy emergency a top priority from day one," Rollins said. "This review allows rural energy providers and small businesses to align their projects with that mission." Rollins said the USDA is ensuring the federal funds support U.S. energy production while supporting the nation's farmers, ranchers and small businesses. She said the revisions are needed as the nation moves away from the Inflation Reduction Act that former President Joe Biden signed into law and toward practical energy investments that address the needs of rural communities. "The IRA was marketed as a cure-all but delivered more bureaucracy than benefits for rural families," Rollins said. "This course correction puts those investments back to work to support President Trump's vision for energy independence and sets rural America on a path to lasting prosperity." Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
USDA makes profound announcement that could alter the future of our food system: 'We've got to build'
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that more than $6 billion will be awarded to rural communities to back renewable energy projects and lower greenhouse gas emissions — a plan that could have the potential to reduce electricity costs and create jobs in those regions. The grants and loans are primarily allocated to build new wind, solar, and battery facilities, with some proposals also including hydropower and nuclear energy facilities. About $5.5 billion worth of grants exclusively for nonprofit, member-owned electric cooperatives in rural communities are supplemented through the USDA's Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program. Nonprofit, member-owned electric cooperatives provide power to over 42 million Americans and 92% of poverty-stricken counties, benefitting citizens throughout the nation who may otherwise struggle to afford electricity. Do you think our power grid needs to be upgraded? Definitely Only in some states Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. This new structure will also ensure that profits are reinvested in the company and returned to members rather than investors. "These programs put the money exactly where it is most needed and most effectively used," Ted Compton, board president of La Plata Electric Association, a cooperative located in Southern Colorado, told Canary Media. In addition, $565 million in partially forgivable loans will be awarded to companies that promise to bring affordable clean power to rural communities through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program. The PACE programs are part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to help rural Americans gain access to clean, cheap, renewable energy. By investing in solar panels and EVs, consumers can save money and receive financial incentives directly from the government in the form of tax benefits that can easily exceed $20,000 if they know what to look for. "If we're going to meet our climate goals and meet the rising demand for energy, we've got to build a lot of clean energy. And rural communities have to be partners in that," said Josh Ewing, director of the Rural Climate Partnership, a nonprofit that represents rural communities in climate policy initiatives. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
