03/21/08 Developing Rural Renewable Energy

Developing Rural Renewable Energy. I'm Greg Martin as Line On Agriculture presents the Harvest Clean Energy Report. The government is trying to back up their desire to reach some energy independence with some green of their own. Mary Traxler with USDA Rural Development says they have a new program available. TRAXLER: It's referred to as the Section 9006 Energy Program underneath the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and this particular program is for agriculture producers and rural small businesses. The funding allows them to apply for a grant, a loan guarantee. They would obtain the loan through a financial institution. We would offer a portion guaranteed or they can apply for a combination grant and loan guarantee. Traxler says there are some differences you need to be aware of before applying. TRAXLER: The difference between the renewable energy and the energy efficiency renewable energy would be like a wind, sun, biomass, geothermal or possibly a hydrogen project. And that is they would be installing the system to replace a traditional renewable energy generating system. And then the energy efficiency would of course be installing or upgrading any equipment that you have that would reduce energy consumption. She says that because there is limited funding this is a competitive grant. TRAXLER: What we're looking at is being able to provide 25% of the total project costs so to be eligible, once we determine you're an eligible applicant then we would look at the project. So you would complete the application  you would go to grants.gov or you can apply through our office. The first round application deadline is April 16. TRAXLER: Well I think we are hoping that it will help farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses reduce their energy costs and consumption. That will help the nation meet its energy needs. It'll also help support and stimulate rural economic development by helping the ag producers and the rural small businesses. For additional information on clean energy, visit harvestcleanenergy.org. That's today's Line On Agriculture. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network. www.harvestcleanenergy.org