Cow Power!

Chicago - MSI - Poop to Power (1689), originally uploaded by psuhockeychick.

The Forest Service in Vermont is joining the Cow Power program.

RUTLAND, VT, Oct 20, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- The U.S. Forest Service, seeking to reduce its environmental impact, has enrolled its Rutland headquarters in CVPS Cow Power(TM) , the nation's first manure-based farm-to-consumer energy program.

"We work hard to improve the environment every day, so it's natural that we'd want to lessen our environmental impact through Cow Power," said Forest Supervisor Meg Mitchell. "As we looked at ways to reduce the impact of our energy usage, enrolling in CVPS Cow Power(TM) had a great impact. We are supporting a working landscape, helping to improve water quality and removing methane from the atmosphere."

Central Vermont Public Service President Bob Young praised the Forest Service, which will pay approximately $2,100 more for electricity per year due to its enrollment. The funds, paid through a 4-cent premium on 25 percent of the Forest Service's electrical usage, will go to farm-producers who supply renewable energy, other renewable products, or incentives to help more farms get into the energy business.

Good for the Forest Service.