A $200 million power plant in rural Minnesota burns turkey droppings, calling the plentiful waste from nearby farms an alternative fuel source. But critics disagree: They argue it's nearly as big a polluter as standard power plants, and puts out relatively little juice for its government-subsidized costs. "As a matter of public policy, it stinks," one activist says.
Turkey waste is easy to burn because it's dry, unlike gloppy pig and cow manure. Planners behind the new plant are surprised by the stink it's causing. “We are completely puzzled," the CEO says. "We think we are environmentally responsible and are doing everything to the highest possible standard." (More alternative energy stories.)