Power Up and Help the Environment, in a Manure of Speaking

When I lived in Los Angeles, I would occasionally drive up to visit friends in the Bay Area. My route of choice was the I-5, not for its stunning views (which the Pacific Coast Highway can lay claim to), but because it's the quickest way up. I made the drive enough times that I always knew when I was about halfway to my destination by the very potent smell of cow manure that filled the entire car in mere seconds. Anyone who's made that drive knows exactly what I'm talking about.

Well, it seems that cow manure has another purpose besides serving as an LA-to-SF midpoint signpost. According to GreenBiz, the US Department of Agriculture and the Innovation Center for US Dairy will work jointly to lower greenhouse gases by 25 percent during the next decade using various projects. And what is one of those projects? I'll let US Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack, who was quoted in the article, tell you:

"Use of manure to electricity technology is a win for everyone. It provides an untapped source of income for farmers, it provides a source of renewable energy, reduces our dependance on foreign fossil fuels, and provides a wealth of additional environmental benefits."

According to a USDA press release, "anaerobic digester technology is a proven method of converting waste products, such as manure, into electricity." Animal manure is turned into fuel, which powers generators. The big problem has been cost, as only 2 percent of dairy farms that could have a profitable digester actually use the technology. The agreement means more of these digesters will be supported by USDA programs, and additional research will be done to come up with new technologies to further reduce greenhouse gases.

Oddly enough, there was no mention of how this technology would affect commuters on the I-5.

Photo courtesy of stuartncook, via Flickr