In an exciting development, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has unveiled a significant funding boost of over $7.3 billion for rural electric cooperatives. This generous financing will enable these cooperatives to spearhead the construction of clean energy initiatives in rural communities. The Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program is set to pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
In Wisconsin, Vilsack announced a series of 16 initiatives that aim to harness over $29 billion in private investments. These initiatives will help create more than 10 gigawatts of clean energy specifically for rural communities across the United States. Vilsack highlighted that the collective impact of these programs will result in a significant reduction and avoidance of at least 43.7 million tons of greenhouse gases each year.
Secretary Vilsack expressed the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to promoting a prosperous future for rural communities. The focus is on accelerating the shift towards clean energy while ensuring affordable monthly bills for residents. Additionally, there will be significant investments in the American workforce through the creation of new jobs and apprenticeships. The clean energy investments will benefit one in five rural Americans, thanks to partnerships with rural electric cooperatives like Dairyland. This initiative aims to empower rural America through accessible and sustainable energy sources.
