The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allocated $1.57 billion to advance clean energy projects across North Dakota. This funding, part of the nationwide $6 billion investment under the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program, aims to create jobs, lower energy costs, and significantly reduce carbon pollution.

The funding was made possible by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act and aligns with the administration's Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to direct at least 40% of certain federal climate investments to disadvantaged communities.

According to USDA Rural Development State Director Erin Oban, the program underscores the administration's commitment to rural America, with impacts expected to last decades.

Key beneficiaries include:

• Great River Energy: Awarded $794 million to develop 1,275 megawatts of renewable energy across Minnesota and North Dakota. Projects will include wind energy and distributed renewable energy, generating over 1,600 jobs and reducing carbon emissions by 5.49 million tons annually.
• Basin Electric Power Cooperative: Awarded $775 million to expand renewable energy capacity by more than 1,400 megawatts, benefiting cooperative members in nine states. These projects are projected to create jobs and deliver $400 million in cost benefits over the program's lifespan.

This investment marks a major step in modernizing the U.S. energy grid, promoting sustainability, and bolstering rural communities.