Three Key Facts:
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- $21 million in federal funding is transforming Pennsylvania’s dairy farms.
- Methane reduction and manure management improvements protect the environment while boosting economic growth.
- The effort underscores the popularity and success of President Biden’s clean energy plan.
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Pennsylvania is getting a transformative boost with a $21 million federal investment aimed at its dairy sector. This funding, part of the Biden Administration’s climate-smart agricultural efforts, targets one of the state’s most iconic industries to tackle methane emissions, improve water quality, and ensure long-term economic growth.
Methane: The Silent Challenge
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a critical focus of managing impact from climate change With a warming potential up to 80 times greater than carbon dioxide over 20 years, methane emissions significantly accelerate climate change. And cow flatulence is the top agricultural source of greenhouse gases worldwide.
How the $21 Million Will Be Used
Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act included money to reduce the pollution that comes from dairy farming. The money will help Pennsylvania’s 5,200 dairy farms improve manure management and reduce the amount of methane produced by cow flatulence.
This effort has sparked additional private investment – including $2 million from Hershey – to accelerate the implementation of manure management systems and soil health practices. These partnerships underscore how federal funding spurs private-sector participation, magnifying impact.
The Road Ahead
With this $21 million, Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers are poised to lead the way in sustainable agriculture. By reducing emissions, improving water quality, and safeguarding livelihoods of local farmers, this initiative reflects the dual promise of economic growth and environmental stewardship, especially vital for Pennsylvania as the 7th largest dairy producing state in the country.
“Thanks to the boost in funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act we’re able to invest even more in this popular and important program and increase our conservation impact across the country, supporting our nation’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners while at the same time protecting our natural resources for the future,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Economic Growth and Job Creation
Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry supports more than 593,000 jobs. Efforts similar to this investment in the sustainability of dairy farms are protecting existing jobs and creating new ones in fields like environmental engineering, renewable energy, and farm management.
Joe Biden’s Clean Energy Plan: Popular and Proven
President Biden’s clean energy plan has widespread support across Pennsylvania. One recent survey shows that nearly 80% of Pennsylvanians support renewable energy expansion and more than seven out of 10 voters support the Inflation Reduction Act. In Pennsylvania, these efforts have already funneled over $1 billion into 14 clean energy projects, which support more than 100,000 clean energy jobs statewide.
