Local Governments & Their Partners Advancing Waste-to-Energy in NY
Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facilities in New York State play a critically important role in managing waste and providing renewable, base-load energy in communities across the state. As state and federal policies are developed that could impact these facilities, it is critical that local governments that rely upon these facilities unite and engage to help shape impactful policies.
NYSWTEC will educate policy makers in Albany and Washington with the goal of protecting valuable waste-to-energy facilities so they can continue to provide vital services to the communities they serve. NYSWTEC will be the united voice and face of the WTE in New York State.
By coming together, we are establishing a not-for-profit association, representing local governments and their partners that rely upon and comprise WTE interests in New York.
NYSWTEC is:
- an organization focused specifically on the unique needs and issues facing WTE facilities and stakeholders in New York State,
- a valuable forum for collaborating and sharing experiences, important news, and knowledge among New York’s WTE stakeholders,
- a strong unified voice for WTE stakeholders to advocate for policies benefiting WTE in NYS.
Comprising stakeholders invested in the future of waste-to-energy facilities, theNew York State Waste-to-Energy Coalition is united in addressing critical issues shaping the policy landscape and will act as a catalyst for sustainable change.
ISSUES OF INTEREST
A high-level summary of priority issues and discussion topics include the following:
1. Advocating for WTE in the new NYCI program: Navigating the complex terrain of the soon to be launched New York Cap-and-Invest (NYCI) program is critical for WTE stakeholders. The new regulatory regime regulating greenhouse gases across multiple sectors will likely have significant impacts on the waste industry. WTE stakeholders will need to work together to ensure waste-to-energy is treated equitably and that WTE facilities are recognized for the climate mitigation services they provide communities.
2. Unlocking Beneficial Ash Reuse: WTE facilities reduce waste volume by 90%. The remaining component from the process is ash. In the US, this ash is mostly used as daily cover at landfills or sent to an ash “monofil” (a single source material landfill). Alternatively, for example, in Europe, and in some states, such as Florida, ash is reused in concrete and asphalt, while in Pennsylvania, regulations were changed to allow WTE ash to be processed to remove more metals– that otherwise would have been buried in a landfill– and reuse the aggregate. By working together to allow beneficial reuse of WTE ash in NYS, we can spur additional investment in NY for reuse facilities and further the circular economy of the state while also reducing the cost of disposal of this material.
3. Seizing Opportunities in the State Economic Development Programs (Green CHIPS Program): Through the State’s economic development programs, such as the “Green CHIPS” program, waste-to-energy facilities can be positioned as key players in achieving the State program’s requirements to ensure that CHIPS facilities achieve a 95% reduction in waste, promote reuse, recycling, and recovery. It is also an important part of this industry to tap into energy sources for microchip production that are tied to renewable resources. Working together, we can unlock untapped opportunities for WTE by aligning our efforts with the State economic development programs requiring specific waste management measures and by ensuring that waste-to-energy is considered as a renewable energy source, we can support the economic development efforts in the state.
4. Achieving Zero Emissions Electricity: New York’s climate law (CLCPA) requires that the state’s electric grid achieve zero emissions by 2040 but does not define the term “zero emissions.” The State Public Service Commission has embarked on a proceeding focused on achieving the zero emissions requirement. Ultimately, for WTE facilities to continue to sell their electricity to the grid, WTE facilities will need to either be considered a zero-emissions technology under PSC’s final order and/or the emissions associated with WTE need to remain in the waste sector to properly reflect the service they provide. NYSWTEC will work together to address how WTE is treated in the PSC proceeding.
5. Managing Impacts of The Good Neighbor Policy and Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) Floor Changes: WTE faces new requirements from EPA and DEC with respect to NOx and the MACT floor requirements. We need to address the costs associated with the changes to facility emission limits resulting from these new requirements. By fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and advocating for transparency, we can work towards minimizing the impacts on operations and capital costs for waste-to-energy facilities.
nyswtec.org 