Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding for Energy Efficiency Improvements

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced nearly $127,000 in federal funding to support the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.

Specifically, these federal funds will be distributed between seven farmers, ranchers, and small businesses across the state to make energy efficiency improvements to lighting systems, grain dryers, and to purchase and install a geothermal renewable energy system.

“Investing in rural America, especially helping farmers, ranchers, and small businesses invest in energy efficiency improvements, is critical to reducing emissions through reduced energy use and conservation – with the added benefits of long-term energy cost savings for farmers, ranchers, and small businesses across North Dakota,” said Heitkamp. “The REAP program has a track record of investing in cost-saving initiatives, which is why I fought to make sure it was reauthorized in the 2014 Farm Bill. It’s great that so many North Dakotans took advantage of this critical federal program, and as we begin to discuss the next Farm Bill, I’ll fight to make sure we continue investing in critical programs like REAP.”

These funds are authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for American Program (REAP). REAP was reauthorized in the 2014 Farm Bill that Heitkamp helped write, negotiate and pass. Since 2009, North Dakota has received nearly $1.75 million in federal funding through REAP. Nationally, REAP has assisted with nearly 3,000 renewable energy systems which – when fully operational – is expected to generate enough energy to power more than 5.5 million homes for a year.