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For Immediate Release Senator Brubaker Supports Renewable Energy InitiativesHighlights EnergyWorks pilot projects, tours Keystone BioFuels LANCASTER – State Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36) joined representatives of EnergyWorks North America, LLC in Lancaster today as they announced a multi-million dollar plan to build multiple biomass technology plants in the County. The first pilot plant will be located at Egg Basket in Mount Joy in the 36th District Senator Brubaker represents, while the other two sites are still under discussion. EnergyWorks intends to work with three different livestock operations – poultry, dairy and swine – to develop practical and environmentally sustainable solutions for manure use that can then be adapted to other farms. "EnergyWorks is bringing an innovation to Lancaster County that will have a positive impact on agriculture, the environment and surrounding communities," Brubaker said. "I am very pleased to see such a partnership emerging between our agriculture industry and technology experts." Biomass technology involves taking manure and using it to produce energy such as natural gas, heat or electricity. Brubaker said this gives farmers alternative uses for their manure, thereby reducing the amount of nutrients entering local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay, and providing additional sources of energy to Lancaster County. Brubaker emphasized that farmers are not the only individuals who stand to benefit from the EnergyWorks plan. "The EnergyWorks plan results in a better environment, and in turn, healthier communities," Brubaker said. "In addition, EnergyWorks intends for the energy generated by these three pilot plants to be used right here in Lancaster County." Michael McCaskey, project manager of EnergyWorks Lancaster, reiterated the benefits of this partnership. "By using these alternative sources of energy in our local communities, we are reducing our dependence on oil and other foreign energy sources," McCaskey said. "As a consequence, we then have more control over our future destiny in the energy market." Earlier in the week, Brubaker had the opportunity to familiarize himself with another alternative energy project in the Commonwealth when he toured Keystone BioFuels Inc. in Shiremanstown. Keystone BioFuels produces biodiesel from Pennsylvania-grown soybeans. "I was very impressed by Keystone BioFuels," Brubaker said. "They truly understand the benefits of renewable energy and are committed to making Pennsylvania a cleaner place to live." "I firmly believe renewable energy sources will have a vital place in our Commonwealth's future, and in addition, they further highlight the importance of maintaining our strong agriculture industry," Brubaker added. "I plan to actively encourage the work we are doing to develop alternative energies during my time as a state legislator." "This is an issue that is particularly important to me, and one that I would like to work more on through my involvement in both the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Senate Environmental Resources and Energy committees."
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