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USDA Invest Over $300 Million to Help Hundreds of Small Businesses Improve Energy Efficiency, Adopt Renewable Energy Systems

Name
Miguel A. Ramírez
City
Washington
Release Date

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is investing more than $300 million to help hundreds of small businesses across the country and Puerto Rico to save money on their energy costs by adopting renewable sources or implementing more efficient options.

 

“Cutting our energy waste is one of the fastest, easiest and cheapest ways to help families save money on their energy bills while reducing harmful carbon pollution. Over the course of nearly 8 years, the Obama Administration has taken strong actions to advance energy efficiency in our homes and businesses, “Vilsack said. “Through efficiency upgrades and private sector partnerships, America has been able to cuts its carbon emissions, create jobs and save families hundreds of dollars at the pump and on their utility bills every year. The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) alone has helped roughly 15,000 rural small businesses, farmers and ranchers improve their bottom lines by install renewable energy systems and energy efficiency solutions. When businesses lower their energy costs, they are also able to expand their services and contribute to stronger local economies.”

 

José Otero-García, USDA Rural Development State Director for Puerto Rico indicated that seven businesses in Puerto Rico received $434,000 to purchase and install solar renewable energy systems. These businesses are Barreto Dairy Inc., Gur-Meat Inc., HQJ Plumbing Supplies Inc., Mauna Caribe Inc., Mena Javier Barreto, Rio Nuevo Farm Inc., and Tomas Rodríguez-Navarro.

 

USDA has provided more than $380 million in grants and almost $688 million in loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small business owners since the start of the Obama Administration.

 

For additional information, please, contact Danna Quiles, Business & Cooperative Program Director at Puerto Rico State Office at (787) 766-5355, 766-5363, 766-5379 or 766-5412 or visit our web www.rd.usda.gov/pr .