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Senate panel hears bill to pilot state purchases of renewable natural gas and fund study of anaerobic digestion
Summary
SB 480 would create a DGS pilot to buy a portion of renewable natural gas, fund a University of Maryland study of anaerobic digestion benefits, and support in‑state biogas development; supporters said biogas can reduce methane and use waste streams, while environmental groups warned of public‑health and water quality tradeoffs.
Senate Bill 480, a proposal to pilot state procurement of renewable natural gas (RNG or biogas) and authorize a University of Maryland study of anaerobic digestion, drew supporters from industry, academia and utilities and a strong critique from environmental groups during a committee hearing.
The sponsor, Senator Chris Gallion, described the bill as a next step following last year’s multi‑agency work group on anaerobic digestion. The proposal would authorize the Department of General Services (DGS) to include a share of RNG when agencies purchase natural gas and fund a University of Maryland environmental life‑cycle study to quantify greenhouse‑gas and other impacts of digesters using animal manure, food waste and other feedstocks.
Why it matters: Proponents said anaerobic digestion (AD) can convert farm and food waste into useful energy, reduce methane emissions from uncontrolled decomposition, recover nutrients and create a marketable soil amendment. Opponents…
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