U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Acting State Director Nebraska Joan Scheel announced that USDA is inviting Nebraska to apply for funding for its BioEconomy initiative proposal. The funding opportunity will come from USDA’s Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program, which helps rural Americans transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. New ERA program funding allows select public utilities and member-owned rural electric cooperatives to apply for up $200 million.

“Farmers, rural business owners and electric providers are the backbone of our economy,” USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said. “The investment opportunity the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing today will support rural communities as they transition to clean energy and drive economic prosperity in Nebraska and across this nation.”

“Nebraska is leading the way in bioeconomy initiatives that will revitalize our rural communities while working to decarbonizing the planet,” said Governor Jim Pillen.

The proposed program funding would be used by Nebraska Electric Generation and Transmission Cooperative, Inc. (NEGT) to procure 725 megawatts of wind and solar energy in Butler, Burt, and Custer Counties, and would supply electricity to nearly 170,000 homes.    

“NEGT is grateful for the invitation and eagerly looks forward to collaborating with the Rural Utilities Service staff,” said General Manager Darin Bloomquist. “Our goal is to provide, low-cost, clean, renewable energy to the wonderful state of Nebraska for many years to come.”  

USDA touches the lives of all Americans every day.  Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient food production, fairer markets, and access to safe and healthy food. USDA is building new markets and income streams for ag producers and making historic investments in rural clean energy. , The Department is committed to removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.