The federal government has announced a historic investment in Kentucky’s energy infrastructure, with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service providing over $1 billion for clean energy, distance learning, and telemedicine. This funding, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, will benefit 89 counties in the state and aims to improve energy reliability, affordability, and sustainability in rural areas.
East Kentucky Power Cooperative will receive over $670 million to develop renewable energy projects and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 2.3 million tons per year. Additionally, more than $5 million will go towards distance learning and telemedicine projects, benefiting organizations such as Bowling Green-Warren County Community Hospital and Monroe County Schools.
Governor Andy Beshear lauded the funding as a significant step towards a greener energy portfolio and a better quality of life for Kentucky residents. The projects funded by this investment are expected to create hundreds of new jobs and bring about intragenerational change in the state. Overall, the announcement has been met with excitement and optimism for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future in Kentucky.
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