"Funding for rural renewable energy projects slashed"
A key program that funds energy diversification and efficiency in Oregon’s rural areas has seen it’s funding slashed for the upcoming year. The Rural Energy for America Program, commonly called REAP, funded anaerobic digesters for the first time last year, as well as small-scale hydropower projects. But the program, which receives much of its funding from the federal Farm Bill, will see a reduction of about two thirds of its funding levels following deep cuts at the federal level.
The REAP grant projects are diverse: from irrigation improvements and lighting retrofits to solar systems and wind arrays. (Photo by Sustainable Business Oregon)
By Lee van der Voo
Sustainable Business Oregon
>>click here to read original article
A key program that funds energy diversification and efficiency in Oregon’s rural areas has seen it’s funding slashed for the upcoming year. The Rural Energy for America Program, commonly called REAP, funded anaerobic digesters for the first time last year, as well as small-scale hydropower projects.
But the program, which receives much of its funding from the federal Farm Bill, will see a reduction of about two thirds of its funding levels following deep cuts at the federal level.
REAP funded 36 projects in Oregon in 2011, from grants totaling $1.29 million. One recent project at Northeastern Oregon auto retailer SPS of Oregon was atypical only for its use of small-scale hydro.
Contribute 
Community Action!
Workshops and Events
