Rep. Craig, Senators Klobuchar and Smith Demand Answers on Frozen Energy Projects for Rural Minnesota

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Angie Craig (MN-02) and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) demanded answers from the Administration about the status of key renewable energy projects that help Minnesota farmers and small businesses lower their costs.  

In a letter to Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the Members pressed the Administration on their decision to freeze critical Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants set aside for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable, clean energy systems or make their operations more energy efficient.  

“We write to express our deep concern over reports that hundreds of contracted awards under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) remain frozen and inaccessible to Minnesota farmers and rural small businesses,” the lawmakers wrote. “This back and forth from the Department on a critical program has created a lot of uncertainty for rural communities in Minnesota.” 

“Since its inception in the bipartisan Farm Bill in 2008, REAP has provided grants and loans that have helped more than 21,000 farms and rural businesses nationwide access affordable, renewable energy and energy efficiency systems,” the lawmakers continued. “Farmers have invested thousands of their own dollars into these projects because they are counting on the Federal government to uphold its commitments. At a time when the cost of operations is high and farmers’ access to markets is uncertain, supporting American farmers is critical.” 

You can read the full letter here.  

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