Editor’s Note: On March 25, the USDA announced the release of Inflation Reduction Act funds for several rural energy programs, including REAP. The USDA has given grant recipients 30 days to revise their plans to ensure their projects line up with Trump administration energy priorities.
The Trump administration’s freeze on climate funding has left many farmers and rural businesses in financial trouble. Much of this funding was part of the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act, and was meant to help these businesses become more energy-efficient or install renewable energy systems, such as solar power.
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) gives grants or loan guarantees to small rural businesses to cover part of the cost of energy-saving projects.
WABE climate reporter Emily Jones joined “All Things Considered” to talk about what the delay means for the recipients of this funding.
She said some have already spent tens of thousands of dollars on renewable energy installations, expecting a grant to help cover the costs. Others have delayed projects entirely, unsure if or when the money will come through.
