Nebraska could become a major renewable energy provider

In a state like Nebraska where there are some nine million cattle and hogs, we produce a lot of by-product, to put it politely. Beef and pork producers are ingenious in making use of just about every part of the animals they raise which has helped to make Nebraska one of the country's top agricultural exporting states.

I would like to help them expand the use of one of their plentiful byproducts and at the same time contribute to America's battle for energy independence.

I'm referring to biogas which is created by the anaerobic digestion of animal waste. It is composed of at least 50 percent methane, a main ingredient in natural gas. The technology already exists to create this substitute for fossil fuels on the farm, co-located with another facility like an ethanol plant.

What's needed now is some encouragement from the federal government so biogas can become a commercially-viable renewable energy alternative to natural gas.

Don't Waste the Waste

I've joined with several senators in a bipartisan bill to provide tax incentives to livestock producers to set up operations to turn animal waste into renewable energy. This new energy source would benefit rural communities and the environment while lessening our dependence on fossil fuels and ensuring energy security. We shouldn't waste the waste; we should promote biogas development.

The Biogas Production Incentives Act of 2009, similar to the legislation I introduced two years ago, would encourage greater production of biogas for energy purposes by providing biogas producers with a tax credit of $4.27 for every million British thermal units of biogas produced. This could mean more jobs and a boon for rural communities.

Renewable Energy, Cleaner Environment

The Environmental Power Corporation estimated national bio-gas production potential from anaerobic digestion systems on dairy, swine and beef farms could exceed 340 million British thermal units of gas per year. This would be the energy equivalent of approximately 2.5 billion gallons of heating oil per year.

Bio-gas production also offers environmental benefits such as a reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions of both carbon dioxide and methane and improved water quality through better manure management.

Growing Support

I want to thank the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, Nebraska Cattlemen, Inc. the Nebraska Farmers Union, Nebraska Farm Bureau and the more than 50 organizations that support this legislation. They understand how much using this renewable agriculture asset will benefit the environment, the rural economy and agriculture producers.

They understand that if our nation is to get serious about reducing our dependence on foreign oil, this new additional form of renewable energy needs to become a part of the overall mix of renewable energy.

Whether it's biogas, a new generation of biofuels or wind energy, Nebraska has a tremendous opportunity to be a major provider of clean, renewable energy that will contribute to our battle for energy security, improve the environment, and provide a boost to Nebraska's overall economy.