Posts Tagged ‘U.S. Department of Agriculture’
Report highlights investments made possible by Rural Energy for America Program
REAP supported more than $1.3 billion in clean energy investments in Central Appalachia FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 20, 2024 CONTACTQuenton King, Government Affairs Specialist, 304-579-7366, quenton@appvoices.org Dan Radmacher, Media Specialist, (540) 798-6683, dan@appvoices.org CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Today, Appalachian Voices released a new report highlighting investments in energy efficiency and clean energy that Central Appalachian businesses and schools…
Read MoreCongress can help Appalachia’s economy and environment by supporting REAP
During the transition to a new energy economy, it’s crucial that all people have an opportunity to benefit from affordable, reliable clean energy, including disadvantaged communities.
Read MoreRural communities won billions of dollars to fund renewable energy
Last year, rural advocates won big in the Inflation Reduction Act by securing billions of dollars for rural communities to implement clean energy. Now, the USDA Rural Utilities Service is asking for input on how to set up and roll out these funding programs.
Read MoreStatement on Justice40 Announcement
Today, the Biden Administration announced the first list of federal programs that are part of its Justice40 initiative, representing more than 200 programs and billions of dollars in federal spending.
Read MoreBetting the Farm on a “Wild West” Hemp Economy in Appalachia
Ever-changing laws and regulations, a saturated CBD market and high operating costs are stressing the region’s industrial hemp farmers.
Read MoreTwo WV Counties to Get Connected with Broadband Grant
West Virginia’s Tyler and Wetzel counties received approximately $5.6 million in federal funds to support the development of rural broadband internet access.
Read MoreCommunities Pursue Revitalization Plans
By Carvan Craft Convenient access to local food can be a rare commodity in rural communities. Thanks to the Appalachian Livable Communities grant program, founded in 2012, five Appalachian communities will receive a shared total of $375,000 to help make local food projects a reality. The grant will fund a new agricultural education facility for…
Read MoreAdapting Farms to Face the Climate Challenge
By Brian Sewell Around the world, farmers are arguably the first to feel the impacts of climate change, and of all the systems put at risk, food may be the most fragile. Some of the largest grain and livestock producing states are still recovering from last year’s drought-stricken season. And forecasts for this summer are…
Read MoreAgritourism Grows in Appalachia
By Brian Sewell Think of it as an extended growing season, where the opportunities arising from a region’s agricultural wisdom and the influx of tourists and conscious consumers are ripe for the picking. By marketing experience and education, not just products, Appalachian farms of every kind are going beyond the friendly transactions at the farmers…
Read MoreBills on the Hill
A Look at Environmental Happenings in Congress The Good Mine and Workplace Safety and Health Act ( S. 805 / H.R. 1373): Introduced for the fourth time by Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) since 29 miners were killed in the 2010 Upper Big Branch disaster, the Coal Mine Safety Act addresses a long list of safety…
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