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On Earth Day, USDA Invests in Renewable Energy for Rural Arizona Business

Name
Heather Stacy
Release Date

Investments will replace nearly 7,800 kilowatt-hours per year with renewable electricity 

PHOENIX, Ariz., April 22, 2021 — In honor of Earth Day 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is investing $2,625 in renewable energy that will assist a rural Arizona farm prioritize climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship, announced Acting State Director Jeff Hays. USDA is making the investment under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

“I am pleased that USDA Rural Development can assist with financing this energy efficiency project,” Hays said. “This is one of many ways USDA Rural Development is investing in rural prosperity and contributing to sustainability in rural Arizona communities.

The Windy View Acres LLC, a small family farm, will use $2,625 to purchase LED lighting, an energy efficient refrigerator and an energy efficient freezer. The new equipment is expected to use 7,800 kWh or about 30 percent less electricity each year equating to a savings of about $858 on utility expenses. 

USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides loan guarantees and grants to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses install renewable energy systems such as bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, wind, and solar systems. The funding can also be used to make energy efficiency improvements to heating, ventilation, and cooling systems; insulation; lighting; refrigeration; and irrigation systems, among others. Projects funded through this program can help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that affects our climate.

Nationwide, USDA is making $487 million in investments across 45 states under the Water and Environmental Programs, the Rural Energy for America Program, the Electric Loan Program, and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. The funding is contingent upon the recipients meeting the terms of the grant agreements.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/azIf you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page. 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov. 

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.