Submitted by Phil Eggman, United States Department of Agriculture.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a transformative investment in renewable energy projects across Washington state and the nation. Through the Rural Energy for America Program, USDA is providing grants that lower energy costs, expand clean energy access and strengthen rural businesses and farms.
In Washington, USDA is investing $5.1 million in grants to support 33 renewable energy projects across 23 counties. Much of this funding comes from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest federal investment in combating climate change to date. These funds underscore the Administration’s commitment to empowering rural communities to lead the transition to a clean energy economy.
In San Juan County, two projects highlight the transformative potential of these investments:
• Blacktail, Bass & Beef Farm on San Juan Island will use a $79,455 grant to install a 57-kilowatt solar array. This project will generate 120% of the farm’s energy needs, saving $8,146 annually and producing enough electricity to power six homes.
• Friday’s Historic Inn LLC will use a $41,644 grant to install ductless heat pumps, saving $2,974 annually and reducing energy usage by 76.8%.
As Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack stated, “The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are ensuring farmers, small business owners, and rural communities have the resources they need for the future. These investments will help rural communities lead our country toward an economy that benefits working people everywhere with lower costs and clean energy jobs.”
Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $2.7 billion in REAP funding, supporting nearly 10,000 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide. These efforts represent a bold step in reducing carbon emissions, increasing energy independence and fostering economic resilience in rural America.
Washington’s rural communities are leading the way in building a clean energy economy. These investments are not just about energy — they’re about creating jobs, lowering costs and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
