USDA Announces $633 Million in Climate-Smart Investments

Cindy Zimmerman

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack was in Pennsylvania Friday to announce $633 million in investments to reduce the impacts of climate change on rural communities.

In a press call with reporters, Vilsack highlighted 791 investments that USDA is making in five programs specifically designed to help people and businesses in rural areas. These programs include Community Facilities Disaster Grants, Electric Loan Program, Rural Energy for America Program, Rural Energy Savings Program, and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.

Vilsack also answered questions from reporters, several focused on the biofuels sector and delayed action from the Environmental Protection Agency on Renewable Fuel Standard obligations, as well as COVID aid for producers.

USDA Sec. Vilsack presser 12-3-21 (19:27)

Audio, USDA