The Private Sector: Rural areas could be a vast source of energy (PA Farm Show)

[jpak]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07009/752261-28.stm

The 2007 Pennsylvania Farm Show, which this year is focusing on agricultural energy, will be a primer for policymakers seeking ways to lessen our reliance on foreign oil, improve the environment and boost America's rural economy.

More than 40 exhibitors are discussing the problem-solving potential that is all around us in the vast rural acreage of America, including the 58,200 farms in Pennsylvania.

A recent study from the University of Tennessee projects that America's farms, ranches and forests can provide 25 percent of the nation's need for fuel and electricity by 2025. This use of renewable energy sources would make a serious dent in our reliance on foreign oil, would reduce the output of greenhouse gases and would provide thousands of rural jobs and add billions to the rural economy. The study shows that Pennsylvania would realize $6.1 billion in economic value by 2025 and directly or indirectly support 44,193 jobs.

The "25 x '25'" objective involves more than ethanol and biodiesel. Unquestionably, these renewable fuels will be essential to reducing reliance on petroleum-based fuels, but the plan also includes other energy sources, such as methane generation from animal waste, food waste and household garbage; wind-generated power; and energy from solar farms and geothermal energy.

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