The Biden-Harris Administration has unveiled a substantial $140 million investment in clean energy projects in rural Nevada and Kentucky, aiming to significantly reduce energy costs, bolster renewable energy access, and generate employment in these regions. This initiative is funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, representing the most considerable investment in rural electrification since the 1936 Rural Electrification Act.
During a visit to the future site of a solar power facility in Pahrump, Nevada, USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small emphasized the administration's commitment to addressing climate change while supporting economic growth in rural areas. "The investments announced today will lower costs for Americans and create good-paying jobs in rural communities for years to come," said Deputy Secretary Torres Small.
The Pahrump project, spearheaded by Valley Electric Association, will receive an $80.3 million investment to develop a 37-megawatt solar generation and storage system. This system is expected to provide a stable and reliable power supply to approximately 3,500 homes in the region, particularly benefiting communities in the Rural Partners Network (RPN).
In Kentucky, four new projects under the PACE program were announced:
- Bluestem Energy Solutions TEC1 LLC will construct a 5-megawatt solar facility in Allen County with a $6.6 million investment, powering over 900 homes annually.
- Lock 9 Hydro Partners LLC is set to build a run-of-river hydroelectric plant on the Kentucky River with a $19.3 million investment, expected to generate enough energy for 1,600 homes in Jessamine County each year.
- With a similar investment of $18.9 million, Lock 10 Hydro Partners LLC will also develop a hydroelectric facility in Madison County, aiming to supply renewable energy to another 1,600 homes.
- Finally, Lock 13 Hydro Partners LLC will utilize a $17.7 million investment to enhance renewable energy access in Lee County, targeting another 1,600 homes with green energy.
The Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program, which backs these projects, was launched in May 2023 with $1 billion dedicated to fostering clean energy development in rural America. PACE offers low-interest loans with significant forgiveness to promote solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy solutions, making sustainable energy more accessible and affordable.
PACE also aligns with the President’s Justice40 Initiative, ensuring that 40% of the benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy reach disadvantaged communities disproportionately affected by pollution and underinvestment.
The USDA’s continued investments under the PACE program and the supportive framework of the Rural Partners Network underline the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life and economic opportunities in America's rural landscapes.
