Projects Will Support Climate-Smart Solutions to Lower Energy Costs in 48 States Including Oregon
PORTLAND, Sept. 9, 2021 –Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $129 million to build or improve renewable energy infrastructure to help agricultural producers and rural businesses lower energy costs in 48 states including Oregon. These climate-smart investments will conserve and generate more than 379 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) in rural America, which equates to enough electricity to power 35,677 homes per year.
“USDA continues to prioritize climate-smart infrastructure to help rural America build back better, stronger and more equitably than ever before,” Maxson said. “We recognize that lowering energy costs for small businesses and agricultural producers helps to expand economic development and employment opportunities for people in America’s rural towns and communities. The investments we are announcing today demonstrate how the Biden-Harris Administration has put rural communities at the heart of climate action and climate-smart solutions.”
USDA is financing the projects through the Rural Energy for America Program. This program provides funding to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. The investments will help reduce the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that affects our climate.
In Oregon, six renewable energy projects will be funded at various locations across the state, including two $100,000 technical assistance grants with the University of Oregon and the Oregon Department of Energy:
- The University of Oregon will provide technical assistance and training on the use of solar, wind, hydropower, and biofuel systems to businesses and ag operations in Clackamas, Clatsop, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Marion, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, and Wasco counties.
- The Oregon Department of Energy will provide technical expertise through the Rural & Agriculture Energy Audit Program while working closely with strategic partners to provide technical assistance to participants, and implement energy audits. Overall, this project will help at least 26 farmers, ranchers, and small business owners in rural Oregon gain energy audits.
“USDA Rural Development is in a unique position to help rural communities, agricultural producers and businesses lower energy costs,” said Jill Rees, Acting State Director for USDA Rural development in Oregon. “Projects financed under this program can help reduce the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that affects our climate. To learn more about these and other resources for rural areas, contact the USDA Rural Development State Office in Oregon.