USDA releases energy money if groups take out DEI, climate provisions

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Tuesday that USDA will release previously obligated funding under the Rural Energy For America Program (REAP), Empowering Rural America (New ERA) and Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) programs to groups that eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion and climate mandates that were in their proposals.

USDA said recipients will have 30 days to review and voluntarily revise their project plans to align with President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order issued on January 20, 2025. USDA Rural Development is informing awardees individually about this opportunity. Respondents will be asked to answer several questions and provide a short narrative description of any proposed changes.

“President Trump made tackling America’s energy emergency a top priority from day one, and this review allows rural energy providers and small businesses to realign their projects with that mission,” Rollins said. “We’re ensuring these investments support U.S. energy production while putting America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural businesses first.”

“The IRA [Inflation Reduction Act] was marketed as a cure-all but delivered more bureaucracy than benefits for rural families,” Rollins added. “This course correction puts those investments back to work to support President Trump’s vision for energy independence and sets rural America on a path to lasting prosperity.”

Rollins did not say how much money will be released.

–The Hagstrom Report