U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced that Congress has approved federal funding to research alternative energy sources in southern and eastern Kentucky. Through Rogers’ efforts, the FY 2010 Energy & Water Appropriations bill includes $250,000 for Morehead State University (MSU) to conduct a study on the availability of bioenergy resources throughout the region. Both the House and Senate passed this legislation and today the President signed the bill into law.

“Reducing our dependence on foreign oil and producing energy right here in Kentucky is an important and achievable goal,” said Rogers. “From clean coal technology to bioenergy, Kentucky has the resources necessary to produce affordable alternative energy. Investing in our natural resources is vital for improving our environment and for lessening our reliance on countries like Venezuela and Iran. I applaud MSU for their efforts to make a difference right here in southern and eastern Kentucky.”

The FY 2010 Department of Energy funding bill provides $250,000 for Morehead State University to analyze the availability of bioenergy in Appalachia. Bioenergy resources include eastern Kentucky’s vast abundance of wood residues (from forests and mills), underutilized land, corn, switchgrass, wheat straw and animal wastes. Domestic bioenergy development could allow the United States to become less dependent on energy from fossil fuels, create a more energy efficient and environmentally-sound fuel stock, and decrease our dependence on foreign energy resources.

Rogers works to obtain federal funding for projects across southern and eastern Kentucky in his role as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.