The role of rural communities in shaping resilient clean energy futures is a focal point for the federal government’s investments, signaling a need for action within the clean energy and corporate sustainability sectors. A recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) unveiled over $366 million in funding for 17 projects across 20 states and 30 tribal nations to accelerate clean energy deployment in rural and remote areas nationwide.
This substantial investment marks the largest in rural power in a century, promising to revolutionize the energy landscape and impact the U.S. industrial sector profoundly. Despite challenges such as land use concerns and escalating electricity demands, rural leaders are actively working to maximize the benefits of this initiative.
Groundswell organized the Rural Renaissance Roadshow in Bentonville, Arkansas, uniting rural leaders from all U.S. regions. Bentonville, dubbed a “New Capital of Cool,” embodies successful economic development backed by corporate and philanthropic support, exemplified by innovative projects like the world’s first bikeable building, The Ledger, where the Roadshow took place.
Rural communities possess the necessary resources and expertise for a clean energy transition, yet decades of depopulation and unsustainable practices have contributed to economic downturns. Rural cooperative utilities serve the majority of America’s “persistent poverty counties,” where low-income households bear energy burdens double or triple those of urban dwellers. Increasing federal funding is flowing to these underserved areas, but many lack the capacity to access and leverage these resources effectively.
Tools like the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CJEST) highlight the energy challenges faced by the Rural South, where institutional and community resources are often underfunded. The Rural Renaissance Roadshow aimed to bridge this gap by connecting rural leaders with technical assistance, financial support, and resources from philanthropic- and values-driven organizations. Through workshops and collaborations with entities like the Rural Climate Partnership and the Beneficial Electrification League, the event provided practical insights on leveraging clean energy for economic development.
Overall, the push for clean energy investment in rural communities is gaining momentum, driving positive change and fostering resilience in these often overlooked regions.