A Grays Harbor lawn care company received funding for a clean energy project

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is working with rural Americans on hundreds of clean energy projects aimed at lowering energy bills, increasing access to clean energy and creating jobs for America’s farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers.

Many projects are financed under the Inflation Reduction Act.

USDA also unveiled the “Rural Energy Resource Guide” to make it easier for rural communities to identify federal clean energy funds.

The projects are expected to create jobs and spur economic growth in rural communities through clean energy projects that lower energy costs for agricultural producers and small businesses and rural families.

“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are committed to expanding access to modern, clean energy systems and fuel options that strengthen the nation’s energy independence while creating good-paying jobs and saving money for rural Americans,” said Secretary Vilsack. “We are excited to partner with hundreds more family farms and small businesses, as well as rural electric cooperatives and local clean energy developers, to address the impacts of climate change, grow economies, and ensure the strength and resilience of rural communities across the country.”

In total, USDA is providing more than $375 million in funding through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program and the Rural Energy for America (REAP) program. Both programs are part of the President’s Justice40 initiative, which aims to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, and other investment areas go to communities that are disadvantaged, marginalized, and burdened by pollution.

In Grays Harbor, through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), $20,000 in Rural Development Investment funds will be used to help Grays Harbor lawn care business owner Curt Zander purchase and install a solar system with power 26.8 kW. This project is expected to generate energy savings of $1,600 per year and replace 14,000 kWh per year, enough to power one single-family home.

USDA has invested more than $2.1 billion through REAP in 7,216 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will help rural business owners reduce energy costs, generate new revenues and increase the resilience of their businesses.

USDA continues to accept applications under the REAP program and will host funding competitions quarterly through September 30, 2024. The financing includes a dedicated part for unused renewable energy technologies. For additional information, please contact your local energy coordinator.

A complete list of all REAP projects can be found online.