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MAEE unveils alternative energy projects around state: House Speaker wants energy independence for homes, businesses.

Article Excerpt
In Forest, scientists are studying an anaerobic digester designed to capture methane from a dairy farm and use it to generate power for the operation. In the West Point area, a similar project is underway at a swine farm. The possibility of using the same technology to capture and use poultry litter waste is also being studied.

These farm projects are examples of the work being done to develop a Prototype Energy Alternative (PEA) system for Mississippi that is affordable, efficient and effective. Now that Rep. Billy McCoy (D-Rienzi), a rural farmer who initiated the alternative energy source development plan with the help of Rep. Leonard Morris (D-Batesville) and other state lawmakers, is now in a leadership position, as House Speaker, more emphasis will likely be focused on the research, development and design of renewable energy systems for Mississippi.

"I've always dreamed of being a part of, in some form or fashion, making the average home or business energy independent," McCoy said. "It did not start with 9/11, but many years ago in my own mind. It's been my goal to use the total absolute renewable...