The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development recently announced that it is hosting two listening sessions regarding the implementation of energy programs funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The first listening session on November 3 from 2-4pm ET will focus on electric loans for renewable energy, biofuel infrastructure funding, and the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The second listening session on November 4 from 2-4pm ET will focus on funding for Rural Electric Cooperatives.
To view the complete stakeholder announcement and call details, click here.
The investments made through the IRA equip the cooperative community with new tools to help members across the country address climate change. The landmark legislation provides up to $9.7 billion for Rural Electric Cooperatives to purchase and build clean energy systems, over $2 billion in funding for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and loans for renewable energy infrastructure, and $500 million for biofuel development. In addition to the two listening sessions, USDA RD is accepting written comments which are due on November 28.
