Words by Tess Becker
In national climate action, rural and farming communities are often left by the wayside or simply used as space for solar or wind farms. But now a new program will help rural areas across the US to apply for grants supporting clean energy and climate action.
Soon, rural electric cooperatives, utilities, and other energy providers will be able to apply for nearly $11 billion in grants and loans for clean energy projects, funded by the $430 billion Inflation Reduction Act.
Expanding clean energy is a large part of the Biden administration's goal to reach net zero by 2050, according to officials.
“This is an exciting and historic day and continues an ongoing effort to ensure that rural America is a full participant in the clean energy economy,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Beginning on July 31, rural electric cooperations will be able to apply for up to $9.7 billion in grants for deploying renewable energy, zero-emission, and carbon capture systems.
“This is really about saying to people in rural America, we want you to stay there, we want your kids to come home there, and to have a quality of life there,” Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, the chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Beacon Food Forest. This is one of the largest food forests in the country. Find out more and support them here.
Cultural Survival. They are an indigenous-led nonprofit focused on empowering indigenous Americans and helping the planet. Find out more.
