Workshops this week will give South Dakota farmers and rural businesses information about a government program that promotes energy savings and alternative energy sources. The Rural Energy for America Program provides grants or guaranteed loans. It’s offered through the U.S. Agriculture Department’s office of Rural Development. It covers energy reduction improvements such as new lighting, insulation or more energy efficient equipment. Various renewable energy systems such as solar or wind power are included. Workshops will be held Tuesday in Bath, Wednesday in Huron, and Thursday in Pierre. The Farmers Union and the Environmental Law & Policy Center join USDA as workshop sponsors.
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