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USDA Invests Nearly $800 Million in Critical Infrastructure to Combat Climate Change Across Rural America This Earth Day

Name
Meredith Mingledorff
City
Lincoln
Release Date

Today, in honor of Earth Day 2022, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing nearly $800 million in climate-smart infrastructure in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands. These investments will strengthen the health and livelihoods of people across rural America. They include funding for 165 projects to expand access to safe water and/or clean energy for people living in equity communities. Six of those projects are here in Nebraska. 

“We are incredibly proud of the investments we’re making in Nebraska,” said Kate Bolz, state director, USDA Rural Development. “Nebraska is an agriculture state, and people in ag know better than anyone the importance of taking care of our natural resources and protecting the Earth for future generations.” 

Earth Day 2022 Invest in Our Planet
USDA RD Earth Day 2022 "Invest in Our Planet" Graphic 

In Nebraska, six recipients were awarded grants under the Rural Energy for America Program. Recipients here are: in Albion, MSJM Properties Partnership, Marilee Niewohner, and Niewohner Grandchildren's Limited Partnership; in Boyd, Valley Foods Cooperative; in Holdrege, Spady Buick Pontiac GMC Inc.; and in Monroe, Alan G Preister. Combined, they were awarded $68,500 for projects that will save or generate 491,444 kWh per year, enough energy to power 45 homes annually. 

The Nebraska projects are part of $787 million in renewable energy infrastructure in 36 states to help agricultural producers, rural small business owners, and residents lower energy costs and make energy-efficiency improvements. The department is making investments under the Electric Loan Program and the Rural Energy for America Program.

Through REAP, the department is helping 157 rural businesses and agricultural producers get access to clean energy while reducing their carbon footprint to make their business operations more cost-effective. 

Today’s announcement is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Building a Better America Rural Infrastructure Tour, during which Biden Administration officials are traveling to dozens of rural communities to talk about the impact of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments, as well as President Biden’s broader commitment to ensure federal resources reach all communities in rural America.

“I encourage Nebraskans to connect with us to find out how USDA can partner with them for their energy conservation needs. For more information, contact Jeff Carpenter, energy coordinator, at (402) 437-5554 or at NE.RBCS@usda.gov,” said Bolz. 


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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ne

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