WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has awarded $100,000 to Southeast Ohio Public Energy Council to expand their Solar Access Pathways in Athens County. This will provide free solar assessments to 50 agricultural producers, 101 businesses, and 50 small businesses.

“Ensuring rural businesses and agricultural producers have access to solar technology is essential as we build resilient local economics and a strong domestic clean energy sector,” said Brown.

The Rural Energy for America Program supports agricultural producers and rural small businesses. The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding for the purchase, installation, and construction of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.

The funds for this grant are a part of the USDA’s Rural Development initiative. Brown was an original supporter of REAP when it was first created in the 2008 Farm Bill. As the first Ohioan on the Senate Agriculture Committee in more than 50 years, Brown championed a strong Rural Development title in the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bill, and is continuing to advocate for rural Ohio and programs that promote energy efficiency and clean energy across rural America. More information on the program can be found here. 

###