Facing a record number of applications for clean energy funding, the USDA said it would hire 40 Climate Change Fellows to speed up the disbursal of $2 billion through its Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The $2 billion was part of the 2022 climate, healthcare, and tax law.
REAP provides grants and loan guarantees to farmers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to improve the energy efficiency of their operations. Eligible uses include small solar or wind generation and the installation of high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.
“These innovations will help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change, and lower energy costs for American families,” said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. The USDA said it has utilized $1.25 billion of the REAP funding.