Federal government awards $17.5M in grants for biomass research

Oct. 12 -- The U.S. departments of Agriculture and Energy are awarding nearly $17.5 million in grants for 17 biomass research, development and demonstration projects that could reduce the nation´s dependence on foreign oil and improve the environment.

The grants would fund efforts including development of technology for economically converting agricultural waste into ethanol.

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman announced the grants Oct. 11 at a renewable energy conference in St. Louis.

"This is a new era for America´s farmers, ranchers and rural communities as they seize this moment where opportunity meets need, and where American ingenuity breaks a century long addiction to oil," Johanns said.

A full list of the projects and funding amounts is available online at www.usda.gov in the newsroom section.