Carper, Coons, and Blunt Rochester Commemorate $1.3 Million in Rural Business Energy Investments

06 Sep, 2023

Carper, Coons, and Blunt Rochester Commemorate $1.3 Million in Rural Business Energy Investments

U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, along with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, all representing Delaware and from the Democratic party, celebrated the allocation of $1.3 million for nine projects in the state. These projects aim to reduce energy costs for rural small businesses and are part of the Rural Energy for America Program and the Inflation Reduction Act.

Senator Carper, a key author of climate provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, expressed his pride in seeing this funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supporting Delaware's clean energy future. He emphasized that investing in the planet's resilience is also an investment in the economy and small businesses.

Senator Coons highlighted how the Inflation Reduction Act is helping the country meet climate goals while saving money for businesses and families. He welcomed the $1.3 million in grants going to businesses in southern Delaware.

Congresswoman Blunt Rochester, a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, noted that the Inflation Reduction Act's provisions are lowering healthcare and energy costs for individuals, families, and seniors in Delaware and across the nation. She emphasized that today's USDA funding announcement will enable small businesses in rural areas of Delaware to benefit from these historic provisions and reduce their energy costs.

David Baker, USDA Rural Development State Director, expressed pride in supporting rural small businesses and agricultural producers in Delaware through the Rural Energy for America Program. He highlighted how this investment would help these businesses operate sustainably, lower operational costs, and contribute to resilient, clean, and thriving rural communities.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement includes millions in loans and grants for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements, ultimately lowering costs and strengthening their operations' resilience.

The nine projects set to receive funding include initiatives such as solar system installations and energy efficiency improvements for various businesses, ranging from pallet manufacturing and poultry farming to car dealerships and dental practices. These projects aim to reduce energy costs, generate income, and enhance the overall resilience of these rural operations.