Rural electrification efforts continue

Sen. George W. Norris, often hailed as the “father of rural electrification,” would likely view President Biden’s recent $7.3 billion investment in rural electrification as a continuation of his legacy. Norris, a steadfast advocate for rural Americans, helped bring electricity to millions during the Great Depression by championing the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Rural Electrification Act (REA). Today, the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America agenda echoes those same principles—expanding access to reliable, affordable energy for rural communities and creating new opportunities.

In the 1930s, Norris understood that electrification was essential for the economic survival and growth of rural America. The TVA’s construction of dams not only provided electricity but also modernized the Upper South, improving quality of life and stimulating local economies. Similarly, the New ERA program announced by President Biden will fuel a new era of clean energy, creating thousands of jobs while ensuring that rural communities are not left behind in the nation’s transition to a greener future.

Biden’s investment in rural electrification will help more than 5 million rural households and businesses across 23 states, including Nebraska. With a focus on renewable energy sources like wind, solar, nuclear, and hydropower, the program stands to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43.7 million tons annually—equivalent to removing over 10 million gasoline-powered cars from the road. This shift towards clean energy aligns with Norris’ vision of rural areas becoming self-sufficient and contributing to national progress.

Senator Norris would no doubt have supported these efforts, recognizing that a strong national grid and modern infrastructure are just as critical today as they were nearly a century ago. While the TVA brought power to the farms and small towns of the South, today’s New ERA program will not only deliver cleaner, more resilient energy but also provide the jobs and economic benefits essential for rural prosperity.

In much the same way that Norris fought to ensure rural Americans shared in the benefits of modernization, the Biden-Harris administration is ensuring that rural communities are central to America’s energy transformation. As these projects roll out, they serve as a reminder that the spirit of the New Deal is alive and well in modern policy, empowering rural America for decades to come.