US Government provides efficiency fund for rural businesses

The US Government is calling on small businesses in rural areas and agricultural producers to seek help for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The United States Department of Agriculture […]

The US Government is calling on small businesses in rural areas and agricultural producers to seek help for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing funding through its Rural Energy for America Programme (REAP) which aims to help businesses in rural economies cut energy usage and costs.

The announcement is part of US President Barack Obama’s aim to promote domestic production of renewable energy to create jobs, cut the nation’s dependence on foreign oil, combat global warming and build a stronger rural economy.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said: “The Obama Administration continues its commitment to help our nation become more energy independent by partnering with agricultural producers and rural small businesses as they build renewable energy systems and reduce energy usage. These investments will not only help our farmers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs but also provide a new potential revenue source and stabilise their operations’ bottom lines.”

Since 2008, REAP is believed to have funded more than 6,800 renewable energy and efficiency projects, energy audits and renewable energy development assistance projects.

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