Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $300 million in loans and grants to help small businesses switch to more energy efficient equipment and renewable energy sources such as solar panels. “Cutting energy waste is one of the fastest, easiest and cheapest ways to help families save money on their energy bills while reducing carbon pollution,” said Vilsack.
Some $237 million will aid 423 businesses through the Rural Energy for America Program, said USDA, with projects such as energy-efficicient heating, lighting and ventilation systems, and by tapping biomass, solar and other renewable energy sources.
An additional $69 million was awarded as a loan to Pedernales Electric Cooperative of Johnson City, Texas through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program. The co-op will use the money for energy efficiency improvements for rural customers, such as low-interest loans for solar panels and power storage equipment, said USDA.