A coalition of 34 organizations filed a petition asking that anaerobic digesters be ineligible for grants and loans under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which is designed to help farmers and rural small businesses boost energy independence, reduce energy costs, and provide environmental benefits. The coalition claims that digesters are “a harmful and inefficient use of taxpayer dollars.”

The Renewable Natural Gas Coalition said in a statement that the petition is without merit and unlikely to succeed because digesters create revenue and fertilizer for farmers.

This article appeared in the February 2025 issue of Journal of Nutrient Management on page 5.

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