Monday, Apr 2 2012 2:42PM
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced 10 projects will receive funding to help rural small businesses and agricultural producers reduce energy consumption while implementing renewable energy technologies.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced 10 projects will receive funding to help rural small businesses and agricultural producers reduce energy consumption while implementing renewable energy technologies.
The funding will be provided through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which was authorized back in 2008 under the Farm Bill. The loans and grants will provide renewable energy systems, as well as energy-efficient improvements, grants for feasibility studies, renewable energy development assistance and energy audits.
"For the first time in 13 years, imported oil accounts for less than 50% of the oil consumed in America," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "That is because we are producing more domestically, using more alternative fuels, and using less energy through energy efficiency efforts."
The government agency has partnered with more than 13,000 farmers, ranchers and rural businesses to help save energy by installing renewable energy systems through REAP since its inception.
Projects which will receive grants include the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority in Arizona, the Oregon Department of Energy and Washington State University.
For further information, check out these sources:
U.S. Department of Agriculture