USDA REAP Coaching

CEDI can help your farm or rural small business apply for USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The Clean Energy Districts of Iowa (CEDI) is a nonprofit consortium of Energy Districts based in 13 counties across Iowa. CEDI's mission is to support clean energy transition in its member districts by supporting their individual initiatives; advocating for state-level energy policy that facilitates fair and just rate-making and energy infrastructure; and by providing FREE or low-cost technical assistance to Districts and individual businesses, municipalities, and organizations in accessing state and federal funding.

Meet Our Energy Coaches

Steve Hopkins

USDA REAP Program Manager and Energy Coach

steve.hopkins@cleanenergydistricts.org

Steve Hopkins started as REAP Program Manager and Energy Coach with Clean Energy Districts of Iowa (CEDI) in the summer of 2024. He recently retired from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as Nonpoint Source Program Coordinator, where he managed programs that supported watershed projects and water quality projects to improve Iowa’s lakes, rivers, and streams. Steve worked for Iowa DNR for 24 years and has worked in natural resource conservation for over 40 years. Steve also farmed in Iowa for 20 years and began one of the first dairy farms in northeast Iowa to use prescribed rotational grazing practices. He has a B.A. in Human Ecology from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, an M.S. in Land Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and he graduated from the Iowa Certified Public Management Program at Drake University.

Steve works with clients in CEDI Energy District counties:

  • Allamakee
  • Cerro Gordo
  • Clayton
  • Dubuque
  • Howard
  • Winneshiek

Mark Patton

USDA REAP Energy Coach

mark.patton@cleanenergydistricts.org

Mark was raised on a farm in Delaware County and went on to earn a master's degree from Iowa State University in agricultural education. He directed non-profit groups for 35 years concluding with 13 years directing Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity. Mark and his family own an 80-acre farm near Wilton, Iowa.

Mark works with clients in the following Energy District counties:

  • Delaware
  • Jackson
  • Johnson
  • Linn
  • Muscatine
  • Polk
  • Tama