U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm , USDA Director of State Rural Development Operations Deidre Deculus Robert , USDA Senior Advisor for Rural Engagement, Delivery and Prosperity Cindy Axne , and USDA State Rural Development Director for Puerto Rico Maximiliano J.
Trujillo-Ortega, the congresswomen Nydia M.
Velázquez (NY-07) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), along with EPA Caribbean Environmental Protection Division Director Carmen Guerrero , attended the event. "The Biden-Harris Administration created the Rural Partners Network, a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to serving people in historically underserved areas, so they have the resources they need to thrive," said Deidre Deculus Robert.
“The USDA and the Rural Partners Network are proud to work with communities across Puerto Rico to bring good-paying jobs, infrastructure, and other opportunities that will keep the island’s economy and quality of life strong and resilient for future generations. The event was hosted by the Puerto Rico Rural Partners Network (RPN). Launched in April 2022, RPN is a whole-of-government program that helps rural communities find resources and financing to create jobs, build infrastructure, and support long-term economic stability.”
Puerto Rico is one of 11 RPN communities nationwide. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M.
Granholm stated, “The Biden-Harris Administration knows that energy access issues are a priority in Puerto Rico’s rural communities, and I am proud to work alongside our USDA partners to help build energy resilience across the region, prioritizing those who need it most.” The event also highlighted the USDA’s ongoing cooperation with the DOE and EPA to provide reliable renewable energy solutions to rural homeowners, small businesses, and farmers on the island, thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s record investments in clean energy for rural areas through the Reducing Inflation Act. EPA Director Carmen Guerrero stated, “For the EPA, it is crucial to collaborate with the USDA Rural Development and the U.S. Department of Energy to maximize the potential of the historic federal investment in energy resilience provided by the Reducing Inflation Act.”
The EPA has several federal funding programs to plan and implement renewable energy projects in Puerto Rico, such as the Solar For All Program, which allocated $156 million to the Office of Management and Budget to secure solar and storage projects in low-income communities.
In addition, the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator program is providing $1.87 billion to Inclusiv to work with credit unions in Puerto Rico to implement financing strategies for green and renewable energy projects in underserved communities. Speakers at the event highlighted the collaborative efforts and investments made by USDA Rural Development and the Department of Energy in rural Puerto Rico through programs such as the Rural Energy for the Americas Program (REAP), the Community Facilities (CF) Program, and the REAP Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program. State Director Trujillo-Ortega emphasized that the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to improving the quality of life in Puerto Rico through multi-agency cooperation is unprecedented.
Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development has invested nearly $1.3 billion to promote long-term rural economic development and opportunities in rural Puerto Rico. "Among these important investments, we continue to help our farmers reduce their energy costs, as is the case with Vera Ramírez Corp.," said Trujillo-Ortega.
"This REAP funding of $15,284 will support the improvement of agricultural production of oranges, bananas, plantains and coffee.
The grant will also allow this farmer to provide high-quality products, contributing to the community's food security. During the event, USDA officials highlighted additional investments, including:
- Since January 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration has invested $6 million in 31 projects through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). These projects help agricultural producers and small rural businesses in Puerto Rico make energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments to reduce energy costs, generate new income, strengthen their operations, and recover quickly from disasters.
- The USDA's Community Facilities (CF) Program has awarded nearly $18 million to 24 projects in Puerto Rico.
For example, the Corpus Christi Educational Services Corporation received a grant of $67,000 to purchase panels
The applicant's contribution to the project was $54,990, for a total investment of $121,990.
This project reduces the school's operating expenses and makes the institution energy sustainable.
- Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the USDA has invested $164.7 million to help 1,413 financially struggling Puerto Rican farmers stay on their land and overcome challenges beyond their control, such as COVID-19, natural disasters, and disruptions in the global supply chain.
- The USDA is investing in opportunities for farmers to process, bundle, and distribute their produce to provide more choices for both producers and consumers, and to make the food system more resilient and less dependent on limited options.
Puerto Rico has received $8 million through the
The Meat and Poultry Intermediary Loan Program, more than $18 million through the Local Food Purchase Agreement Program, and more than $4 million through the Resilient Food System Infrastructure Program to support these efforts. - The new Agricultural Workforce Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP) awarded $800,000 to Puerto Rican agricultural employers.
The grant funding will strengthen the resilience of our food supply chain by addressing labor challenges and instability in agriculture, promoting a safe and healthy working environment with stronger protections for workers, and expanding legal pathways for labor migration.
- In fiscal year 2023, the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provided $19.2 million to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In addition to helping producers enroll in conservation programs, NRCS provided technical assistance to producers interested in better understanding the implementation of conservation practices.
Funding for these efforts came from President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act and the Farm Bill.