Alternative Energy in AA?

Interesting news:

Anne Arundel County will research the viability of converting horse manure, wood waste and gas emissions from landfills into electricity and fuel for cars - the first effort of its kind in Maryland, the state's top agricultural official said yesterday.

The $85,000 study of renewable energy alternatives has drawn the interest of state and federal leaders who are wrestling with the rising costs of electricity and limited supply of oil. County, state and federal agencies are funding the study.

Local officials see the additional benefits of reducing nutrient flow into the Chesapeake Bay, conserving landfill space and attracting energy-related businesses.

This is a great development, something that needs to be encouraged in other agricultural counties, like Frederick or St. Mary's. The thing to remember, when thinking about the energy crisis, is that there isn't going to be any one replacement of oil as an energy source, for reasons spelled out here, so that thousands of little projects like this one in AA will be necessary -- and, if they can boost the local economies, desirable.