November 15th, 2011
Burning Public Money for Dirty Energy is a report from GAIA. This report outlines how “waste-to-energy” (WTE) incinerators – the costliest and most carbon-intensive energy corporations – are poised to take advantage of taxpayer subsidies, unless fiscally-responsible judgment prevails in federal and state policy arenas.
TAKE ACTION!
Ask your legislators to end subsidies for dirty energy and increase recycling: Act Now!
KEY REPORT FINDINGS
- Having “waste-to-energy” (WTE) counted as a “renewable” energy creates a lifeline for an expensive industry that requires public funds to gain a competitive advantage over other approaches to waste management.
- Most federal energy subsidies that benefit incineration are actually meant to support the development of real renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and micro-hydro, which should not have to compete against dirty energy for the same funding.
- Although WTE projects currently access only a portion of the renewable energy subsidies available, these policies set a precedent for increased financial support for the industry and shape the political, technological, economic, and legal environment.
- Federal energy and climate policy is slow moving, but such policies are moving forward much faster at the state level. The State Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) is a powerful driver for the expansion of the incinerator industry, in addition to opening the door for a range of state and federal subsidies.