PROS
■ Reduces the reliance on coal and oil, thereby reducing the amount of
mercury, sulfur, and particulates released into the atmosphere.
■ Reduces the impact of land disturbances required for coal mining, oil, and
natural gas drilling and extraction, including fracking.
■ There is no net increase in CO 2 emissions (i.e., the CO 2 released by
burning methane came from plants that recently removed it from the
atmosphere through photosynthesis rather than from fossil fuels that were
formed millions of years ago).
■ Reduces the methane emissions from landfills that contribute to global
warming.
■ Reduces the impact of water pollution coming from feedlots, thereby
reducing fecal bacterial contamination and nutrient loading that leads to
eutrophication.
■ Reduces the amount of animal wastes that need to be disposed of.
CONS
■ The process is not as efficient or as economical on a large industrial scale
as compared to other biofuels.
■ Difficult to enhance the efficiency of biogas systems.
■ Contains some gases as impurities, which are corrosive to the metal parts
of internal combustion engines.
■ Not feasible to locate at all locations.
