Denver, CO, Jan 09, 2012 -- WASHINGTON, DC – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the launch of a USDA energy website that will provide stakeholders fast and efficient access to USDA energy efficiency and renewable energy data. “Improving and modernizing access to USDA energy data and resources is essential in today’s highly competitive rural business environment,” said Vilsack. “Farmers, ranchers and small businesses across the country will benefit from easier navigation and retrieval of energy and renewable energy investments data and funding opportunities.”

USDA’s energy website provides access to all USDA energy resources, including: agricultural, forestry, economic, and social data. This is done in part through a set of new complementary web-based tools: the USDA Renewable Energy Investment Map, the Renewable Energy Tool and Energy Matrix. These tools focus on USDA’s energy, energy efficiency and renewable energy investments and projects; provide information and data to a broad spectrum of stakeholders; and empower the user with the ability to easily navigate USDA’s energy web resources. In addition, the site provides a link to all USDA state and local offices and energy resource coordinators. . To access the site visit www.usda.gov/energy

USDA Rural Development has program funding to complete energy audits and feasibility studies, energy efficiency improvements, and install renewable energy systems. Programs can help convert older heating sources to cleaner technologies, produce advanced biofuels, install flexible fuel pumps, install solar panels, build biorefineries, and much more. USDA Rural Development is at the forefront of renewable energy financing, with options including grants, guaranteed loans and payments. In Fiscal Year 2011, 19 projects were funded statewide in Colorado totaling over $925,000. For additional information on Rural Development programs available for energy projects contact Janice Pond, Energy Program Coordinator, (720) 544-2907, janice.pond@co.usda.gov.