The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“INTRODUCTION OF THE AGROFUEL RURAL ENERGY EMPOWERMENT ACT” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1522 on July 13, 2007.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
INTRODUCTION OF THE AGROFUEL RURAL ENERGY EMPOWERMENT ACT
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HON. JOHN M. McHUGH
of new york
in the house of representatives
Friday, July 13, 2007
Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Agrofuel Rural Energy Empowerment Act, which is designed to help American farmers better meet the economic and environmental challenges inherent in the handling and disposal of manure. The bill is also intended to spur investments in another source of much-needed renewable energy.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), American concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and animal feeding operations (AFOs) generate over 335 million tons of dry matter annually. While animal manure provides important nutrients for crop production and organic matter that enhances soil properties, its improper management can pose a threat to soil, water, and air quality. Moreover, manure can negatively impact human and animal health and associated odors can decrease quality of life.
Anaerobic digestion technologies can help improve the manner in which American farms manage manure, reducing water pollution, odors, and the emissions of greenhouse gases while producing energy. As our nation is seeking ways to reduce its dependence on carbon-based fuels and particularly foreign oil, we should encourage the development of anaerobic digestion technologies.
The Agrofuel Rural Energy Empowerment Act would further the development of these important technologies. First, the bill would make anaerobic digestion business ventures eligible for guaranteed loans. Secondly, it would make anaerobic digestion projects eligible for monies available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program
(EQIP). The bill would be particularly beneficial to the handling of manure on the 72,500 dairy farms in the United States, nearly 2,000 of which are in my Central and Northern New York Congressional District.
Accordingly, I ask my colleagues to join with me to enact the Agrofuel Rural Energy Empowerment Act.
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