Opportunities and Barriers to Landfill Gas Energy in the U.S. Rachel Goldstein U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) Air Innovations Conference August 10, 2004

22 Agenda LMOP and Landfill Gas 101 Beneficial Uses of Landfill Gas The Big Picture Overcoming Barriers

33 EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program Established in 1994 Voluntary program that creates alliances among states, energy users/providers, the landfill gas industry, and communities Mission: To reduce methane emissions by lowering barriers and promoting the development of cost-effective and environmentally beneficial landfill gas energy (LFGE) projects.

44 Why Does EPA Care About LFG? Methane is a potent heat-trapping gas. Landfills are the largest human-made source of methane in the US. There are many cost effective options for reducing methane emissions while generating energy. Projects reduce local air pollution, create jobs, revenues, and cost savings.

55 Landfill Gas 101 Landfill gas (LFG) is a by-product of the decomposition of municipal solid waste (MSW). LFG: ~ 50% methane (CH 4 ). ~ 50% carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). <1% non-methane organic compounds (NMOCs). For every 1 million tons of MSW: ~ 1.0 MW of electricity ~ 550,000 cubic feet per day of landfill gas. If uncontrolled, LFG contributes to smog and global warming, and may cause health and safety concerns.

66 The Big Picture Projects do more than generate NO x and CO Methane reductions NMOC reductions Avoided emissions LFGE projects can be cleaner than traditional fossil fuel projects The result = an “environmentally beneficial” project

77 LFGE Projects Provide Dual Environmental Benefits Destroys methane and other organic compounds in LFG Each 1 MW of generation = planting ~12,000 acres of trees per year, removing the emissions of ~8,800 cars per year, or preventing the use of ~93,000 barrels of oil per year Offsets use of nonrenewable resources (coal, oil, gas) reducing emissions of: SO 2, NO x, PM, and CO 2 LFGE is a recognized renewable energy resource (Green-e, EPA Green Power Partnership). LFG is generated 24/7 and available over 90% of the time.

88 LFG Energy Emission Reduction Benefits (lbs/MWh)

99 Barriers to LFGE Projects Cost Cost Permitting Permitting Lack of collection system Financing Contract disputes Gas rights Time delays Time delays

10 Overcoming Barriers Remember the big picture and consider…. Consider setting aside offsets for LFGE projects because they are “essential public services” Take the decline of LFG generation into account when determining the number of offsets needed

11 Overcoming Barriers Explore inter-pollutant trading where permitting authority has not taken the VOC reductions into account Allowing the LFGE project to claim reductions from the displaced utility emissions Inclusion in SIP plans as per new SIP renewable guidance released this week

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13 LMOP Partner Tools and Services Partnerships and networking (over 365) Newsletter and listserv Direct Project Assistance Feasibility studies, end user searches Technical Assistance Resource LFG Advocate PR/Ribbon Cuttings GM and Toro Energy Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony May 2002

14 LMOP Partner Recruitment Tools and Services Project and Candidate Database Green Pricing Accreditation Involvement State Workshops/Conferences working with state partners and SWANA Peer Matching Web Site (e.g., publications, database) Annual LMOP Conference, Project Expo, and Partner Awards - Annual LMOP Conference, Project Expo, and Partner Awards - Washington, DC

15 For More Information - LMOP Hotline: Brian Guzzone, Rachel Goldstein, Chris Voell,