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A coalition of 34 organizations has urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to exclude anaerobic digesters at industrial livestock operations from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding, arguing that it primarily benefits large farms while diverting taxpayer dollars from more effective energy solutions.

The petition highlights that these digesters received significantly higher loan guarantees compared to solar projects, yet produce less energy per dollar, exacerbating environmental issues and undermining support for small farmers. Additionally, Earthjustice has filed a lawsuit against the USDA for withholding public records related to digester funding decisions.