Iowa secures $573M for clean energy

By Andi Anderson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant funding initiative that will benefit rural communities across Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Through the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program, nearly $573 million in financing has been allocated to Dairyland Power Cooperative. This funding will be used to develop clean energy infrastructure in rural areas, marking one of the largest investments in rural electrification since the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.

Dairyland Power Cooperative, which serves communities in northeastern Iowa, will use the funds to support the construction of renewable energy projects, including solar and wind power installations.

This initiative is expected to deliver more than 1,080 megawatts of clean energy across the cooperative's service areas, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Theresa Greenfield, USDA Rural Development State Director for Iowa, emphasized the impact of this project, noting, "This funding will help create jobs, lower energy costs, and build more resilient electric systems in rural communities."

The New ERA program is part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda and the Inflation Reduction Act, which together represent the largest investment in rural clean energy in nearly a century.

The USDA’s New ERA program aims to reduce pollution and deliver cleaner, more affordable energy to rural communities. It will also foster economic growth by creating new job opportunities and apprenticeships.

Dairyland Power Cooperative plans to collaborate with labor organizations such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and other trade unions to ensure the success of the project.

As part of a larger effort, the USDA announced 16 selectees nationwide that will collectively build more than 10 gigawatts of clean energy. These projects are anticipated to reduce and avoid over 43.7 million tons of greenhouse gases annually.

Dairyland Power Cooperative's involvement in this initiative will also include a Community Benefit Plan developed in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Clean Energy Community Initiative.

The cooperative will work closely with stakeholders to design a Farmer Benefit Plan and Union Engagement Plan, ensuring that local communities share in the benefits of the project.

The USDA’s efforts, bolstered by the New ERA program, continue to support clean energy development in rural areas, promoting environmental sustainability and economic resilience across the Midwest.

Photo Credit: usda