A new survey commissioned by the American Biogas Council found that expanding biogas capture is broadly popular among Americans, with 77% supporting the measure. Only 12% of those living in the 144 communities surveyed with biogas capture thought negatively about the system.
Biogas occurs when animal waste or other compostable materials anaerobically digest. Biogas facilities can capture the methane and repurpose it as renewable energy.
Candid Counsel conducted the survey with 1,000 registered voters. At 95% confidence, the margin of error was plus or minus 4%.
Earlier this month, the American Biogas Council announced that almost 500 dairy operations across the U.S. capture biogas from manure produced by about 2.5 million dairy cows. The press release said the energy produced from these dairy operations could power 680,000 homes annually, or about the number of homes in Idaho.
The organization says this method of biogas capture is more efficient than the traditional lagoons of manure that farmers wait to spread on fields.
“These findings show that biogas systems are good neighbors,” said Patrick Serfass, American Biogas Council's executive director. “People who are familiar with them tend to see them as assets that help manage waste, produce renewable energy, and support local communities.”
