Funding For Idaho Digesters Paused

The USDA has paused funds for manure digesters at large farms across Idaho, and nationwide.  The digesters produce Renewable Natural Gas, or RNG.  The EPA lists ten anaerobic digesters in Idaho, with two receiving USDA funding.

Tyler Lobdell with Washington D.C.-based Food and Water Watch said these digesters do produce energy, but negatively impact the environment as well.

“They increase water and air pollution, and they encourage factory farms to get bigger, which increases the overall pollution load that a rural community has to deal with," Lobdell said.  "We are adding industrial gas production on top of these already very large and pretty industrialized facilities.”

In a statement, the Renewable Natural Gas Coalition said the digesters "reduce methane emissions from manure management, improve water and air quality, enable production of renewable natural gas, and support grid reliability."

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com