On July 17, 2012, Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, announced a proposed rule designed to help Rural homeowners and businesses make affordable energy improvements to their homes and buildings. The proposed rule is expected to help rural Americans reduce their energy costs while simultaneously expanding business and investment opportunities in Rural Communities. The Rule would allow the USDA, through Rural Utilities Service, to establish policies and procedures to implement energy efficiency loan programs. The programs are designed to create jobs in the energy efficiency industry, and build upon the work that Rural Utilities has done in providing funding and support for improving the energy efficiency of single and multi family housing, businesses, farms, and utility companies. For more information on the proposed Rule, please visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/
