Using waste to create alternative energy is a strategy the Obama administration is neglecting, says North America’s largest garbage hauler Waste Management Inc.
"Waste Management, Republic Services Inc. and Covanta Holding Corp. say their success producing power from landfills and waste incinerators is being ignored as the U.S. doles out $60 billion in energy grants and tax breaks from President Obama's economic stimulus. The companies say they may also be shortchanged as Congress develops long-term rewards for alternative fuels.
"We've become the unseen renewable energy source that no one pays attention to," Waste Management's Chief Executive Officer David Steiner said in an interview. "Why not help us? We are underrepresented because we are the garbage guys."
Obama has called for an 11-fold increase in the use of renewable power to reduce dependence on coal plants blamed for global warming. While waste-based energy would make Obama's goal more achievable, environmentalist groups such as Environment America have long opposed the garbage companies as polluters and say burning trash releases toxic chemicals."
FULL STORY: Trash Has Role in Energy Plan, Waste Management Says
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions