Waste-to-Energy Technology Act of 2011 - Fall

Advisor: Irene Nielson

This workshop project evaluates the Waste-to-Energy Technology Act of 2011, which seeks to address the dual challenges of municipal solid waste management and energy production in the United States. With over half of U.S. waste historically sent to landfills, the Act responds to growing concerns about methane emissions, land scarcity, and environmental contamination. The team analyzes waste generation trends, environmental impacts of landfilling, and the potential of waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies to convert residual waste into electricity. The report situates WtE within broader sustainability and energy policy debates, emphasizing its role as a complementary solution alongside waste reduction and recycling efforts.

The proposed implementation framework centers on a federal investment tax credit to incentivize private sector development of WtE facilities, administered jointly by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The program design integrates financial incentives, regulatory oversight, and performance monitoring to ensure environmental compliance and economic viability. Recommendations include prioritizing recycling within the waste stream, establishing clear eligibility criteria for facilities, and developing robust metrics to assess emissions reductions and energy generation. The report underscores the importance of aligning WtE deployment with existing environmental regulations and market conditions. By combining waste diversion and renewable energy production, the Act is presented as a pragmatic, though partial, solution to interconnected environmental and energy challenges.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.