NH Delegation Announces More Than $575K in Federal Funding for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects in Rural NH

(Washington, DC) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, announced today with U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) that rural communities throughout the state will receive $577,276 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Rural Development in support of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The funding will be awarded through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to the small businesses and farms listed below:

REAP helps farmers and small business owners in rural communities improve their energy efficiency or purchase renewable energy systems. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen advocated for funding for USDA energy programs to committee leadership and voted in support of the bipartisan spending bill that passed the Senate earlier this year, which would significantly boost the program’s funding level from $334.5 million in FY2019 to $706 million for FY2020.  

“This federal funding will help our farmers and small business owners from Keene to Berlin to the Seacoast make important investments to reduce energy use and costs, underscoring the importance of federal programs like REAP,” said Senator Shaheen. “Promoting renewable energy sources and energy efficiency are key to building a cleaner, more affordable energy future for communities throughout New Hampshire and across the country. Supporting programs such as REAP that boost these efforts will continue to be a priority for me in the Senate.”

“Small businesses and farms are part of the lifeblood of communities across New Hampshire, and by helping them reduce their energy costs, these grants will help them thrive,” said Senator Hassan. “In the Senate, I’ve prioritized working across the aisle to strengthen renewable energy, and I will continue to fight for programs like these that spur our economy and move us towards a clean energy economy.” 

“Utilizing renewable energy is a win-win for our environment, our economy, and the health of Granite Staters, and it’s key to combating climate change,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “I’m pleased to announce these grants, which are an investment in our collective future. I’ll continue working to ensure all Granite State communities have the support and resources they need to make critical energy efficiency improvements to infrastructure.” 

“Energy costs pose a tremendous burden to businesses across our state, and we must support projects and initiatives that will help ease it,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “These federal funds will facilitate renewable energy and efficiency projects that will allow businesses to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.  This is a win for our economy and environment, and I’m pleased REAP is able to assist so many farms and businesses with these grants.”