Let’s Preserve Opportunities in Rural PA | News, Sports, Jobs

Last updated Sep 13, 2024

TL/DR –

The Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act has resulted in a creation of over 51,000 new rural jobs since 2022 by attracting strategic federal investments for rural areas in America, particularly in Pennsylvania. Through programs like the Empowering Rural America and Powering Affordable Clean Energy, billions are being invested to bring reliable, affordable, and clean energy to rural communities to enhance their living standards. However, efforts to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act threaten these developments, prompting calls for lawmakers to maximize state shares of funding and ensure that the law remains intact.

Rural America’s Opportunity Surge, Thanks to Strategic Federal Investments

Rural America, especially Pennsylvania, is witnessing an unprecedented rise in opportunities due to strategic federal investments. The implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act by the Biden-Harris administration has resulted in the creation of over 51,000 new rural jobs since 2022. By providing all rural areas with reliable electricity, clean water, high-speed internet, and rural transit, the act is helping rural communities reach their full potential.

Infrastructure Law and Rural Programs: A Promising Future

If the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law remain intact, there’s more progress to come. Programs like the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) and the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) are investing billions to ensure clean, affordable energy for rural communities. This will help offset increasing electricity bill costs crucial for homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals.

Boosting Pennsylvania’s Energy Efficiency

The Rural Energy for America (REAP) program has provided $2 billion through the Inflation Reduction Act, assisting Pennsylvania families’ farm preservation and offering loans for rural small businesses and agricultural producers to enhance energy efficiency. Currently, 31 renewable energy projects, amounting to a statewide investment of $5.69 million and $500 million nationwide, are being initiated across Pennsylvania. Make sure to apply for REAP by Sept. 30, 2024, if you qualify.

Clean Energy Deployment in Former Minelands

Under the Biden-Harris Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, former minelands in rural communities are being repurposed for clean energy deployment. Up to $475 million is planned for such projects in Pennsylvania and other historically mining states. This includes transforming a former coal mine in Clearfield County into the largest solar project in Pennsylvania, employing 750 construction jobs in the rural community, and powering 70,000 homes.

Benefits of the Clean Energy Boom

The Biden-Harris clean energy plan is benefiting all Pennsylvanians, not just rural America. As clean energy expands, experts predict an annual drop in the average family’s energy costs by $1,000. Despite these broad-reaching benefits, Republicans in Congress have repeatedly proposed the repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act. Pennsylvania lawmakers must continue their efforts to retain this critical funding and preserve the economic growth, jobs, and savings it offers.