9/4/09 Workshops, Trainings, Award Nominations & Resources for Active Citizens
USDA Funds Energy Audits for Farms, Ranches, and Rural Small Businesses
The
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced last week that it will now
provide grants to support energy audits at farms, ranches, and rural small
businesses through its Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The energy
audit funds, which were authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill, will be awarded to
governments and organizations that can conduct the audits, including state,
tribal, and local governments; land grant colleges, universities, and other
institutions of higher learning; and electric cooperatives and public power
companies. Governments and organizations seeking the funds must apply by June
9. The farmers, ranchers, and businessmen receiving the audits must pay
one-quarter of the cost. In addition to energy audits, the REAP grants can
support programs that provide information about energy efficiency and renewable
energy to farms, ranches, and rural small businesses, and they can also fund
technical support efforts for the development of small hydropower projects.
Grants of up to $100,000 are available. See the USDA
press release, the grant
program Web page, and the Federal
Register notice.
What's the hottest development
activity in downstate Illinois?
That's easy..........WIND
FARMS!
The push for alternative energy
production has generated an onslaught of wind farm development in Illinois.
Because of our prevailing wind patterns, much of Illinois is well suited to
accommodate wind power projects. Although many wind farms are in place and
currently operating, developers are still looking and opportunities do
exist.
If you would like to learn more about the industry and see if wind
farm development makes sense for your area, here's a great opportunity. The
Center for Renewable Energy at Illinois State University is hosting a
conference: "Advancing Wind Power in Illinois" on July 15 and
16.
This conference covers many aspects of wind energy including small
wind, community wind, and large wind farms. Sessions will include:
Wind assessment methods
Economic development
Siting and zoning
Net metering
Construction issues
Wind farms and aerial application
Wind for schools
How manufacturers can join the supply chain
Wildlife and environmental issues
The event brings to Illinois nationally recognized experts
and local policymakers to discuss wind energy.
For more details about the
program, either visit their web site via this link
or call Janet Niezgoda at 309-438-7919.
