To: Members of the Joint Committee on Committee on Energy, Utilities and
Technology
From: Jacob Stern
Date: February 2, 2023
Re: Testimony in Opposition to L.D. 175: An Act To Increase The Use Of Municipal
Waste-To-Energy Processes As A Source Of Renewable Energy
Senator Lawrence, Representative Zeigler, and the members of the Joint Committee on
Energy, Utilities, and Technology,
I am testifying today on behalf of Sierra Club Maine, representing over 22,000 supporters
and members statewide. Founded in 1892, Sierra Club is one of our nation’s oldest and
largest environmental organizations. We work diligently to amplify the power of our 3.8
million members nation-wide as we work towards combating climate change and
promoting a just and sustainable economy. To that end, we urge an “ought not to pass”
report on L.D. 175: An Act To Increase The Use Of Municipal Waste-To-Energy Processes As A
Source Of Renewable Energy.
While there is some value in classifying waste-to-energy as a unique generating source, the
proposed legislation flies in the face of decades of work to plan for a clean energy future.
The current classification of renewable resources allows for incentivizing specific
clean-generating resources, such as solar, wind, and tidal power (see Title 35-A MRSA
§3210, sub-§2, ¶B-3). While the existing statute does not perfectly match Sierra Club’s
preferred resource hierarchy, waste-to-energy has no place in this list.
One of the significant benefits of renewable energy is that most generating sources produce
few or no pollutants. However, it has proven impossible for industry to develop a waste
combustion process, even with a large biomass proportion, that does not produce
unacceptable toxic and hazardous air emissions. Additionally, as the nation with the largest
historical emissions of greenhouse gasses, the United States has an obligation to respond
vigorously. The Sierra Club places primary emphasis on making substantial cuts in CO2
emissions as soon as possible by moving polluting fuel sources and shifting to a clean and
sustainable energy economy. Incentivizing waste-to-energy generation the same way we do
solar and wind would have the effect of moving the needle in the opposite direction.
Additionally, placing waste-to-energy incineration above recycling in the solid waste
hierarchy – effectively moving it up two rungs on the ladder, is shortsighted and dangerous
(see Title 38 MRSA §2101). Sierra Club strongly opposes incentivizing waste incineration.
While some advanced waste treatment technologies are promoted as alternative energy
producing, the energy conserved by recycling and composting the source materials exceeds
the amount of energy produced by these technologies by three to five times.1 That being
said, our solid waste crisis is complex and much work is needed to move our state towards
a zero waste future, but this bill is not the answer.
If enacted, this legislation would disastrously impede progress to developing future clean
generating resources. It could allow large industrial incineration facilities to receive the
same incentives as clean energy generators, barring progress and increasing pollution
levels. We strongly urge an “ought not to pass” report on L.D. 175: An Act To Increase The
Use Of Municipal Waste-To-Energy Processes As A Source Of Renewable Energy. Thank you for
your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jacob Stern
--
Member, Executive Committee
Sierra Club Maine Chapter