NEWS RELEASE

USDA Continues Historic Commitment, Partnering with Rural Communities on Clean, Affordable Energy

Latest Investments Will Lower Costs and Support Jobs in 30 States

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2025 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced more than $6 billion in clean energy investments through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Empowering Rural America (New ERA) and Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) programs. Rural electric cooperatives and communities will use the funding to support thousands of jobs, lower electricity costs for businesses and families, and reduce climate pollution by millions of tons each year. More than one in five rural Americans will benefit from clean energy investments supported through the New ERA and PACE programs.

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