A bill introduced by Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind would provide tax incentives to farmers and rural electric cooperatives that invest in biogas technology. As part of the Agricultural Environmental Stewardship Act, the government would promote such investments by allowing biodigesters to qualify for an energy tax credit that is on-par with the 30 percent tax credit for solar energy. This will allow for dairy farms to finally have affordable access installation of biodigesters on their farms, significantly reducing the upfront cost.
"Wisconsin's dairy farmers are the heart of our state economy, contributing $45.6 billion to it each year," Kind said. "We need to ensure our farmers have the tools they need to continue to grow their businesses and create jobs. Providing these tax incentives is a commonsense way to make pursuing biogas technology more affordable for Wisconsin dairy farmers, helping to reduce their energy costs all while protecting our natural resources."
He adds that farms would this be able to use digesters or other biological, chemical, thermal, or mechanical processes to make biogas that is at least 52 percent methane, adding an immediate new revenue stream and dramatically decreasing pollution and runoff.
The measure is also included in the comprehensive Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now (GREEN) Act, which supporters say would help address climate change by promoting the use of green energy technologies and invest in Wisconsin's workforce by creating new energy credits for manufacturers and bolstering stable, clean, good-paying jobs.
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy, Livestock, Dairy Cattle