USDA invests in 11 clean energy projects in rural Utah

Salt Lake City – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director Michele Weaver today announced that USDA is investing $1,162,239 in 11 rural clean energy projects in Utah to reduce energy bills, expand access to clean energy and create jobs for Utah agricultural producers and small rural businesses. All projects are funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in the country’s history to combat the climate crisis. USDA also introduced the “Rural Energy Resource Guide” to help rural communities identify federal clean energy financing, including programs made possible by President Biden’s historic Inflation Reduction Act.

“Providing Utah’s rural farmers and small businesses with affordable ways to reduce their energy costs strengthens Utah’s energy independence and economy,” Weaver said. “USDA and the Biden Administration are excited to offer programs that reduce the impacts of inflation and climate change.”

Today’s projects include:

• In Box Elder County – NooSun Dairy in Corrine was selected to receive a $99,250 grant to purchase and install a 100-kilowatt (kW) solar PV system to cover energy costs for their agricultural operation. This project will replace 285,940 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year and will save the farm $25,734 per year.
• In Wayne County – Jackson Excavation Inc. in Bicknell will use a $47,381 grant to purchase and install a 20.44-kilowatt (kW) rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system. The PV system is expected to save the company $4,349 annually and is expected to replace 109 percent of its historical annual electricity needs and enable the company’s anticipated expansion.
• In Sanpete County – Shalan’s Enterprises, Inc. in Moroni is a small country walk-up restaurant. Their company will receive a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a 9.49 kW roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) system. The restaurant expects to replace 23 percent of its annual electricity use with a photovoltaic system.

The projects announced today are the implementation of President Biden’s plan Investing in America program for developing the country’s economy from the inside and from the bottom up. They will create jobs and spur economic growth in rural communities through clean energy projects that lower energy costs for agricultural producers and small businesses and families in rural areas.

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is 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 by underinvestment, and overburdened by pollution.

Background: REAP

The REAP program helps agricultural producers and rural small business owners increase their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower and improve energy efficiency. These innovations help them increase incomes, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families.

Since the Biden-Harris Administration began, USDA has invested more than $9.7 million in Utah through REAP across 129 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will help rural business owners reduce energy costs, generate new revenue and make their operations more resilient.

USDA continues to accept applications for REAP and will conduct quarterly competitions for funding through September 30, 2024. The funding includes a dedicated portion for untapped renewable energy technologies. For more information, contact Utah Energy Coordinator Landon Mayer (email protected).

A complete list of all 11 REAP projects in Utah can be found online.

Background: Rural Energy Resource Guide

USDA also today unveiled a “Rural Energy Resource Guide” to help rural communities find federal funding for clean energy, including programs made possible by President Biden’s historic Inflation Mitigation Act.

The guide highlights USDA Rural Development programs that help individuals and organizations finance renewable energy systems and infrastructure in rural America. The programs featured in the guide offer funding for:

• Make energy-efficient home repairs.
• Financing small and large energy infrastructure.
• Funding for energy efficiency equipment for business and industry.
• Generate emergency power in rural areas.
• Producing clean energy from sources such as bio-based materials.

The Rural Energy Resource Guide also features stories from U.S. Department of Rural Development customers who share how USDA programs and services have helped them meet their clean energy needs.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants that help expand economic opportunity, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This aid supports infrastructure improvements; business development; flats; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. To subscribe to USDA rural development updates, visit the GovDelivery subscriber page.

USDA is positively impacting the lives of all Americans every day. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system by increasing its focus on more resilient local and regional food production; creating fairer markets for all producers; ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities; building new markets and revenue streams for farmers and producers who adopt climate-smart food and forestry practices; making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy opportunities in rural America; and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a more American workforce. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.