Montana boosts clean energy with USDA grants

May 27, 2024

By Farms.com

The USDA is helping Montana fight climate change and reduce energy costs for rural businesses and farms. Through the Rural Energy America Program (REAP), the USDA awarded grants to six Montana projects.

These projects include solar panel installations and energy efficiency upgrades. Recipients include a car dealership, film studio, dog toy manufacturer, assisted living facility, and agricultural producers.

The projects are expected to save a combined total of over $18,000 annually in energy costs. Additionally, some projects will replace a significant portion of their energy use with renewable solar power.

USDA Rural Development Montana State Director Kathleen Williams highlighted the program's benefits. She stated it helps rural communities transition to clean energy, saving money and addressing climate change.

This initiative is part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in combating climate change in US history.

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