U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $207 million in funding for renewable energy and domestic fertilizer projects in an effort to lower energy bills, generate new income, create jobs and strengthen competition for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers, according to a news release.

“President [Joe] Biden and USDA are ensuring farmers, ranchers and small businesses are not only a part of the clean energy economy, but directly benefiting from it,” Vilsack said Monday at the 105th annual American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Salt Lake City. “The investments announced will expand access to renewable energy infrastructure and increase domestic fertilizer production, all while creating good-paying jobs and saving people money on their energy costs that they can then invest back into their businesses and communities,” he continued.

More than 80 Iowa projects were awarded nearly $18 million. The projects receiving the most funding in the state included $1 million to Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy for the installation of a slurry heating and reduced backset system at its dry-mill ethanol production facility in rural Pottawattamie County; $1 million to Red Lion Creston Schools Solar for the installation of solar arrays in Creston that are expected to generate enough electricity to power 216 homes, amounting to $151,822 a year; and $800,000 to Red Lion Knoxville Waterworks Solar for the installation of solar arrays at six locations in Knoxville that are expected to generate enough electricity to power 123 homes, amounting to $81,499 per year.

The USDA is awarding the $207 million to 675 projects across 42 states through the Rural Energy for America and Fertilizer Production Expansion programs, about $94 million of which is from the Inflation Reduction Act. For a full list of the projects receiving funding, click here.