Biden Unveils Historic $7.3 Billion Investment to Electrify Rural America with Clean Energy

President Biden announces a historic $7.3 billion investment in clean energy for rural America, targeting electric cooperatives to build solar, wind, and storage projects, creating 20,000 jobs and powering over 5 million homes.

In a major push for rural electrification, U.S. President Joe Biden has announced the largest government funding for clean energy infrastructure in rural America since the 1930s. The $7.3 billion initiative, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, will fund 16 electric cooperatives across 23 states to expand and build clean energy projects, including solar, wind, and energy storage.

Clean Energy for Rural America: A Game-Changer

The funding, administered by the Department of Agriculture’s Empowering Rural America program, is aimed at providing reliable electricity and driving job creation in the clean energy sector. By focusing on rural electric cooperatives—nonprofits that have traditionally lacked access to tax credits and resources for modernizing energy infrastructure—the Biden administration is ensuring that clean energy reaches underserved areas.

During his announcement in Westby, Wisconsin, Biden emphasized the significance of targeting cooperatives, stating, “They don’t have the same resources that private utility companies have to modernize their energy infrastructure.” One of the largest beneficiaries, Dairyland Power Cooperative, will receive $580 million to develop solar, wind, and energy storage projects.

Job Creation and Economic Benefits

In addition to providing affordable electricity for over 5 million homes, the $7.3 billion funding package is expected to create 20,000 jobs, with 4,500 permanent positions and 16,000 construction roles. The White House also announced that this federal investment will be supplemented by an additional $5.1 billion in private-sector contributions, further boosting the economic impact.

Overcoming Skepticism: Clean Energy and Rural Communities

While rural communities have often been skeptical of the cost savings and job creation potential of renewable energy, the administration is determined to shift that narrative. Biden pointed to states like California and Texas, which have successfully integrated solar power with energy storage to prevent blackouts and compensate for the loss of coal plants.

Beyond energy, these cooperatives also play a crucial role in bringing high-speed broadband services to rural areas, highlighting the broader benefits of empowering rural America with modern infrastructure.