Kaptur Applauds USDA's $1.1 Million Investment in Clean Energy for Ohio's Farms and Small BusinessesPress ReleaseJobs and the EconomyEnergy

Toledo, OH - Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Senior Member on the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration applauded the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement of a nearly $1.1 Million award to support clean energy projects for Ohio farmers and small businesses. This funding, awarded through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), will support 20 projects aimed at boosting renewable energy systems and enhancing energy efficiency, ultimately reducing operating costs and promoting sustainability.

"Today's announcement of nearly $1.1 Million in clean energy investments is another significant investment for Ohio's rural communities," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). "By supporting renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements, we are not only cutting costs for our farmers and small businesses but also creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in our rural areas. These projects exemplify our commitment to building a sustainable and resilient energy future."

"The Biden-Harris Administration is partnering with people in rural communities across our nation to expand access to clean energy and save rural Americans money," said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. "We are hard at work, continuing what we've always done, supporting rural small businesses and farmers as they create jobs for their communities and drive economic prosperity."

"Ohio Rural Development has been partnering with farmers and small businesses across the state to invest in money-saving renewable energy systems and energy efficiency upgrades through the Renewable Energy for America Program. This program has led to significant investment in rural areas, creating jobs, spurring economic growth, and helping Ohio businesses save on their utility bills," said USDA Rural Development Ohio State Director Jonathan McCracken. "This investment in rural communities is just one of the many ways USDA shows its continued commitment every day, because when rural communities thrive, we all do."

The REAP grants will benefit various projects across the state, including solar energy installations, energy-efficient lighting upgrades, and other energy-saving initiatives. Specific district project highlights include:

1. $20,000 Rural Development Investment - Williams County, OH: Will be used to purchase and install a 12-kilowatt (kW) roof mounted solar array in Montpelier. This project is expected to save the business $1,466 in annual energy costs and generate 15,242 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity, enough to power one home. This energy efficiency upgrade will offset nearly 124 percent of the business' annual energy consumption.

2. $16,410 Rural Development Investment - Sandusky County, OH: Will be used to purchase and install a 19.9-kilowatt (kW) ground mounted solar array. This project is expected to save the business $1,206 in annual energy costs and generate 8,171 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity, offsetting nearly 100 percent of the business' annual energy consumption.

These investments align with the Administration's Investing in America agenda, which aims to grow the economy from the middle out and bottom up by creating jobs and lowering energy costs for rural communities. In the current fiscal year, the USDA has awarded over $12.5 Million through REAP to 88 Ohio small businesses and agricultural producers. This includes $156,892 provided for HD Grain Farms of Whitehouse, Ohio in Lucas County, which Congresswoman Kaptur announced on June 27, 2024.

The REAP program, established under the 2008 Farm Bill and expanded by subsequent Farm Bills and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), enables rural businesses and agricultural producers to access funding for renewable energy projects. These initiatives include wind, solar, geothermal, and small hydropower energy, as well as energy efficiency improvements.

Congresswoman Kaptur continues to champion efforts that bolster Ohio's rural economy and promote clean energy solutions. For more information on REAP and other USDA Rural Development programs, please visit USDA Rural Development.

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