ELPC Proposes Farm-Based Clean Energy Development as Key to Stimulus Package
Monday, December 15, 2008
On Monday the Environmental Law and Policy Center and 25x’25 Alliance presented a package of recommendations to bolster the economy and create jobs to Congress and the incoming Obama Administration. Their proposal would accelerate the development of and markets for, wind and solar power, advanced biofuels production, biomass power and geothermal energy as a means to stimulate the economy. The Federal Farm Bill’s Energy Title would be a primary focus along with related tax credits.
The recommendations focus on investing in programs that are currently under funded such as the Rural Energy for America Program that will put people back to work while improving environmental quality. These programs are green job generators and long-term growth creators because they require skilled labor for manufacturing components, construction and operation.
John Moore, Senior Attorney at ELPC, urged Congress to make strong, farm-based clean energy development programs part of the economic recovery package. “Programs that support clean energy development are in high demand, they create high-paying jobs and they are good for the environment.”
A complete list of ELPC’s recommendations is available here
Read coverage of the clean energy proposal here
Tags: Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, Developing Clean Energy, Farm Energy, Renewable Energy
January 10th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Hi
I am a farm owner in Hillman Michigan and am interested in finding out more about windmill energy. If there are programs available in my area, I would appreciate any information regarding how we could benefit from it. Thanks
January 12th, 2009 at 2:18 am
I am a farm owner in Madras oregon would like to know what programs are available in my area
January 13th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Thanks to both of you for your questions. The answer depends on what you want to do. For farm-based wind energy, solar, energy efficiency and similar systems, the existing Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is a great source of federal grants and loan guarantees. Go to http://www.FarmEnergy.org for more information - we expect USDA to announce the 2009 program soon.
Otherwise, check with your state officials for more information on state programs. In Oregon it’s the Oregon Department of Energy and the Energy Trust of Oregon. In Michigan it’s the Public Service Commission. And visit http://www.dsireusa.org for a very detailed database of incentive programs in these two and other states. It includes contact information for every program.
Post more questions if you have them. Thanks.