Stop Congress from Slashing Vital Rural Energy Programs!
These four programs that will make long-needed investments in energy infrastructure for rural America are now at risk of losing critical funding:
1 | Empowering Rural America (New ERA):
Provides funding for rural electric systems to invest in critical electric infrastructure and achieve emissions reductions. Without budget cuts it is estimated to create more than 90,000 jobs over the next 10 years. USDA received over 157 applications from nearly every state plus Puerto Rico expressing interest in applying for funding for clean energy projects. These applications asked for over $70 billion in projects for the $9.7 billion available.
2 | Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE):
Provides partially forgivable loans for rural renewable energy projects by electric co-ops, municipal utilities, and tribal utilities. This program had just $1 billion in funding and received over $7 billion in applications.
3 | Rural Energy for America Program (REAP):
Funds energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities for farms, ranches, and small businesses across the country. USDA received applications for REAP totaling $75 million in 2022. They have already received applications requesting funding totaling over $900 million for this year.
4 | Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP):
Provides funding for rural utilities and other companies who offer energy efficiency loans to customers for implementing cost effective energy saving projects.
Take action! Ask your members of Congress to please protect and grow critical investments in rural energy jobs, electricity savings, and grid reliability in both the upcoming farm bill and annual appropriations.
