Investing in Oregon’s Fuel Resiliency Barriers to Biomethane

Abstract

There is a need to improve the State of Oregon's fuel options in efforts to improve natural disaster resiliency, improve fuel price resiliency, reduce air pollutants, and lower carbon emissions. One such alternative is bio methane, a resource produced from the anaerobic digestion and thermal gasification of primarily organic wastes. The goal of this research project was to determine the barriers facing bio methane as a sector within the State of Oregon. Research was conducted using interviews and a post-interview survey. The target population was on-the-ground stakeholders who worked directly with biogas or biomethane in some facet. Findings indicated major economic, regulatory and education and information barriers. Policy recommendations were developed to address these broad categories of barriers.