May 24
The Solid Waste Association of North America, a professional trade association, is urging the Senate to include waste-to-energy as a renewable energy resource in pending legislation that would encourage the development of alternative energy sources.
SWANA has sent a letter to Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., urging him to include waste-to-energy as part of a renewable portfolio standard he will introduce as an amendment to Senate Bill 1115 ù the Energy Proficiency and Promotion Act.
The bill would promote the development of alternative energy sources through incentives and the establishment of goals.
"We believe that energy produced by the combustion of municipal solid waste, known as waste-to-energy, is a valuable part of any renewable energy program and has the potential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change," SWANA Executive Director John Skinner wrote in a letter to Bingaman.
Skinner noted that he understood WTE was not included in the portfolio standard Bingaman is proposing.
"This omission only serves to discourage an abundant domestic energy source," Skinner wrote, adding that he believes the technology could be an important tool in diversifying the nation´s energy supply and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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