[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18981]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF THE AGROFUEL RURAL ENERGY EMPOWERMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          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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