Quotas have been set for renewable energy production in 28 states, and the U.S. Congress is debating legislation that would mandate cleaner energy nationwide. But what forms of energy production should be considered renewable? And are all renewables equal?
These are the questions over which tremendous political tug-o'-wars are beginning, with billions of dollars worth of state and federal incentives at stake.
In some states, the definition of “renewable” or “alternative” has already expanded, according to a New York Times report. In Pennsylvania, waste coal and methane from coal mines receive the same treatment as solar panels and wind turbines. And more than a dozen states count electricity generated by burning garbage.
Lobbyists for the nuclear power industry--among others--are pushing lawmakers to add their clients to the clean-energy dole.
If nuclear power or hydropower are deemed renewable, utilities already using these sources won't need to add as much wind or solar power to the electric grid. And burning trash isn't exactly clean.
Read the full NY Times coverage at the link below.
