WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden-Harris Administration is betting big on clean energy innovation, and rural America is at the center of the action. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced a groundbreaking $78.3 million in partially forgivable loans for clean energy projects through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program. These funds, aimed at lowering electricity costs, expanding access to renewable energy, and creating jobs, mark one of the most significant rural electrification pushes since the New Deal.
“Partnering with local governments, companies, and others to provide clean, reliable energy to rural Americans lowers people’s costs, strengthens the nation’s energy security, and reduces pollution,” said Secretary Vilsack. His comments underscored the high stakes of this initiative, which promises not only economic relief for rural households but also a significant leap toward energy independence and sustainability.
A Historic Shift in Rural Energy
If this sounds historic, that’s because it is. The $78.3 million for PACE projects comes directly from the Inflation Reduction Act, which has become the largest rural energy investment since the 1936 Rural Electrification Act under Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal. That legislation gave rural communities access to power for the first time. Now, this new initiative aims to bring those same communities into the clean energy future.
The significance? Enormous. This move signals a commitment to modernizing rural energy grids outdated by decades of underinvestment. And it comes with the triple promise of clean air, lower household energy bills, and job opportunities in renewable sectors—a rare win for communities that are often left behind.
Transformational Projects Across America
The projects funded by the USDA’s PACE program are incredibly diverse, targeting both developed states and remote territories like American Samoa. Each is laser-focused on renewable energy sources like solar, battery storage, and small-scale hydroelectric.
Among the most ambitious projects is a $23.5 million investment for Mana Solar LLC in American Samoa. This funding will develop a 13.4-megawatt community solar and battery energy storage system capable of powering approximately 2,500 homes. This single project alone will meet nearly 12% of the energy needs on Tutuila Island—a game-changing development for the local population.
Meanwhile, in Vermont, USDA Rural Utilities Service Administrator Andy Berke celebrated a $6 million investment for the Town of Stowe Electric Department. Their plan? To build small solar and hydroelectric facilities backed by a battery storage system, powering 115 rural households with clean energy.
Other notable investments include $10.5 million for solar projects in Ohio, benefiting approximately 952 rural homes, and $9.3 million for Maryland’s Gridwealth-SCP LLC to install a 4.3-megawatt solar facility, bringing clean energy to 650 households annually.
It’s clear—the ripple effects of these projects could be extraordinary.
Why Rural?
On the surface, this might seem like just another clean energy push—but it’s much more. Many rural communities have been saddled with skyrocketing electricity costs, unreliable power grids, and little say in their energy futures. USDA’s PACE program directly addresses these inequities, empowering rural communities to take control through locally tailored solutions.
Beyond infrastructure, the economic impact is undeniable. Green energy projects inherently create high-paying skilled jobs, from construction to operations and maintenance. These loans are as much about job creation as they are about kilowatts.
Balancing Progress and Criticism
Despite its promise, PACE has faced its fair share of criticisms. Skeptics point out that the program, while ambitious, still represents a mere fraction of what’s needed to fully modernize rural America’s energy grids. Others worry about execution—clean energy projects are notorious for delays and cost overruns, especially in areas where infrastructure is already stretched thin.
And, of course, not all are thrilled with using federal funds for renewable energy initiatives. Critics argue that fossil fuels remain cheaper and more reliable, pointing to concerns over the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy.
Still, the USDA and its supporters remain steadfast in their vision. “Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has made historic investments in rural America to create a more affordable and sustainable future, benefiting rural families, businesses and the health of our planet for generations to come,” Secretary Vilsack said.
Scaling Impact
The PACE program is only getting started. Beyond these seven funded projects, 32 additional applications spanning 23 states and Puerto Rico have already been pre-approved, signaling even broader expansion in the months ahead. These new initiatives give the USDA a chance to refine and scale their strategy, potentially benefiting tens of thousands of additional rural households.
The timeline for these developments extends into 2027, giving communities the opportunity to revisit their energy strategies as technology evolves and costs potentially drop even further.
The Bigger Picture
This announcement stands as a testament to the Administration’s broader goals of clean energy leadership and climate resilience. Beyond that, it sends a powerful message to America’s rural communities—they are not forgotten, nor are they excluded from national progress.
Programs like PACE are about more than clean energy—they’re about empowering communities, offering energy independence, and building a workforce for the future. Whether all Americans agree on the methods, the end results—lower costs, cleaner air, and job creation—are difficult to dispute.
For the thousands of families directly benefiting from these investments, this marks a turning point, one that promises brighter, cleaner, and more affordable energy for generations to come.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.