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Washington, DC – Congressman William J. Jefferson (D-La.) this week introduced H.R. 2520, The Waste-to-Biomethane Tax Credit of 2007. The bill is designed to cut back on the U.S.’s dependence on foreign oil, help fight global warming and give tax breaks to companies capable of converting waste to biomethane.
The goal is to promote the conversion of biogas to biomethane. Biogas is a mixture of methane and other gases produced when organic materials like crop waste and sewage decompose. If left to vent into the atmosphere, biogas is a significant contributor to Greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is possible to convert biogas into biomethane- which is a pipeline-quality natural gas-substitute.
Not only would biomethane production in the US reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil in terms of transportation uses and such, but biomethane is a purification of biogas- meaning it is more environmentally safe for the atmosphere.
From a Louisiana perspective:
- Louisiana generates approximately 4.6 million tons of municipal solid waste each year. Like most states, it has difficulty with the disposal of sewage, solid municipal waste and animal and crop waste.
- The Environmental Protection Agency requires large landfills to collect biogas and burn it off. Ten such sites are in Louisiana.
- Offering a tax incentive to Louisiana companies willing to convert biogas into biomethane would create jobs at home as the industry grows. It will also provide a valuable supplemental revenue source to municipalities while reducing the amount of sewage solids that currently needs to be processed.
Congressman Jefferson said, “Currently, tax credits are available for new projects that use biogas to produce electricity from waste or renewable sources. It’s only logical that these tax credits be extended to those capable of converting biogas into biomethane. The conversion would help curb America’s addiction to foreign oil while easing the U.S.’s contribution to global warming. And the economic benefits would be significant.”
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