04/20/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/20/2022 11:02
Apr 20, 2022
The West is one of the most climate-sensitive areas in the United States. Rural communities in this region face additional challenges due to being naturally dry and prone to drought. In recent years, they have experienced earlier snowpack melt and more frequent wildfires.
In rural areas in particular, energy production has long been the backbone of jobs, economies and livelihoods. It has contributed significantly to American prosperity. As the future of rural America and our economy increasingly require a robust response to climate change, market demands are shifting from fossil fuels to cleaner sources of energy.
USDA Rural Development is a dependable partner in this transition, especially in regions hit hardest by the climate crisis. Through programs like the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) small businesses owners can transition to clean energy, make energy-efficiency improvements and lower their operating costs.
This week, as we celebrate Earth Day, we are proud to highlight how the REAP program is helping businesses in the West lower their energy costs.
Bringing Micro-Manufacturing Back to Main Street
When Carol Lynn Lapotka purchased an historic building on main street in Polson, Montana, for her company, REcreate Designs, LLC, she knew costly renovations were needed. That's why Lapotka applied for a Rural Energy for America Program grant to finance windows and install doors and lighting.
"I want to do what is right," she said, discussing the desire to incorporate green building practices into her strategy. "I never want to pass up an opportunity because of money."
Through REAP, Lapotka retrofitted the building with LED lighting, energy-efficient windows and insulated front doors. The project has saved nearly $3,400 and reduced energy use by 50 percent.
"My goal is to bring small-batch manufacturing, using raw materials resourced from area second-hand stores, back into the mainstream," she said. "It offers a different level of quality, professionalism and scale and keeps an estimated 3,000 pounds of waste out of our landfills every year,"
To learn more about this project, visit the success story: Bringing Micro-Manufacturing Back to Main Street
Reducing Energy Costs to Build Back Better
REAP funds help rural businesses and agricultural produces across the West lower their energy costs. For example:
Stay tuned for daily blog posts from USDA Rural Development as we highlight climate-smart infrastructure across rural America.