Washington, Jan. 10, 2025 – The future of clean energy in rural America just got a major boost. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be investing over $6 billion in clean energy through its Empowering Rural America (New ERA) and Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) programs. This investment will not only create thousands of jobs, but also lower electricity costs for businesses and families, and significantly reduce climate pollution.
The USDA’s commitment to clean energy is a testament to its dedication towards building a sustainable and prosperous future for rural communities. With this investment, rural electric cooperatives and communities will have the resources they need to transition to clean energy and become leaders in the fight against climate change.
The New ERA and PACE programs will provide funding for a wide range of clean energy projects, including solar, wind, and geothermal energy. These projects will not only help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, but also create new opportunities for economic growth in rural areas. By investing in clean energy, the USDA is not only promoting a healthier environment, but also supporting the growth of rural economies.
One of the major benefits of this investment is the creation of thousands of new jobs in rural communities. These jobs will not only provide a source of income for families, but also contribute to the overall economic growth of these areas. With the rise of clean energy, there will be a need for skilled workers in various fields such as engineering, construction, and maintenance. This will open up new opportunities for people living in rural areas and help revitalize these communities.
Moreover, the investment in clean energy will also lead to lower electricity costs for businesses and families. As we all know, energy costs can be a major burden for rural communities, making it difficult for businesses to thrive and families to make ends meet. By transitioning to clean energy, these communities will be able to reduce their electricity bills and have more resources to invest in other areas of their lives. This will not only improve the quality of life for residents, but also attract new businesses and industries to these areas, creating a ripple effect of economic growth.
In addition to the economic benefits, the investment in clean energy will also have a significant impact on the environment. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we will be able to significantly decrease our carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change. The USDA estimates that these clean energy projects will reduce climate pollution by millions of tons each year, making a significant contribution towards a greener and more sustainable future.
The USDA’s commitment to clean energy is a step in the right direction towards building a better and more sustainable future for rural America. This investment not only shows the government’s dedication towards promoting clean energy, but also its recognition of the important role that rural communities play in our country’s economy and environment.
This announcement has been met with enthusiasm and support from various organizations and leaders in the clean energy sector. They see this as a major opportunity to accelerate the transition to clean energy and make a positive impact on the environment.
In conclusion, the USDA’s investment of over $6 billion in clean energy through the New ERA and PACE programs is a game changer for rural America. It will create jobs, lower electricity costs, and reduce climate pollution, all while promoting economic growth and sustainability. This is a significant step towards a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for all.
