USDA, DOE join forces to increase rural energy technology development and deployment

Oct. 28-- Oct. 28--WASHINGTON -- U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Donald "DJ" LaVoy and U.S. Department of Energy Under Secretary Mark W. Menezes recently announced a memorandum of understanding between the two departments to promote rural energy and the development of technologies that will support and advance rural and agricultural communities and domestic manufacturing.

"Energy creates jobs, supports local infrastructure expansion and provides new opportunities to increase economic development in rural communities," LaVoy said. "The bright and innovative minds in rural communities working to develop and utilize new energy technology should know that the Trump Administration supports their mission and efforts to increase prosperity in Rural America.

"I'm grateful that USDA is partnering with DOE to help farmers, ranchers, foresters and businesses in rural communities thrive."

The signed MOU, which was required under Section 6501 of the 2018 Farm Bill, will enhance collaboration and coordination between DOE and USDA. The areas covered by the MOU include facilitating energy-related investments in America's rural communities; streamlining, leveraging and optimizing program resources; encouraging innovation; offering technical assistance to rural communities; strengthening energy-related infrastructure; ensuring affordable and reliable power; and helping rural businesses export energy products and manufactured goods around the world.

"This MOU will do an immeasurable amount of good for our rural communities," Menezes said. "Rural America deserves the investments in energy infrastructure, technology, and businesses that will be produced by this MOU.

"By working together, DOE and USDA will follow through on President Trump's promise to emphasize and focus on the needs of these hardworking communities across America in an unprecedented way."

USDA and DOE have convened interagency working groups. The working groups will focus on developing and expand energy- and manufacturing-related businesses, industries and technologies in rural America; encouraging investments in new or improved rural energy infrastructure; enhancing capital access for energy-related businesses and industries in rural America; supporting rural community investments that anticipate growth associated with rural energy investment and development; and encouraging, supporting and investing in cyber security initiatives and grid improvement.

The working groups will be co-chaired by representatives of USDA and DOE. They will meet at least quarterly and prepare a report to each secretary within a year of the first meeting and each year thereafter on actions and projects on which the departments will collaborate.

In April 2017, President Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Agriculture Secretary Perdue presented the task force's findings to Trump.

These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. The task force recognized that boosting all sources of energy including renewable sources is essential to achieving energy independence, strengthening America's national security and bolstering rural America's economy.

For further information, view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity.