Funds for Renewable Energy to Increase Production and Save Energy

These grants and loan guarantees to eligible farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses to assist in developing renewable energy systems and making energy improvements are part of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency program. Projects must be located in a rural area and eligible businesses include sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and cooperatives organized in accordance with 501c(12) of the Internal Revenue Code.

"One year ago today President Bush signed into law the Energy Policy Act, the most comprehensive overhaul of energy policy in over a decade that will help spur enhanced energy security and greater energy independence," said Johanns. "The renewable energy projects funded today are a step toward achieving that goal, promoting energy efficiency and the development of renewable farm based energy sources."

Secretary Johanns and U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Sam Bodman recently announced a national renewable energy conference, Advancing Renewable Energy: An American Rural Renaissance, is scheduled for October 10-12, 2006, in St. Louis, Missouri.