The New York Times carried an article this week about how states are working to expand the sources of energy that are classified as renewable and alternative under current legislation in order to access billions in government funding. “Federal tax breaks for renewable energy have been reauthorized, and quotas for renewable energy production have been set in 28 states, accompanied by extensive new grants, loans and other economic advantages.” The article says that some states have already qualified for renewable energy tax credits through reclassifying energy sources. “In Pennsylvania, waste coal and methane from coal mines receive the same treatment as solar panels and wind turbines. In Nevada, old tires can count as a renewable fuel, provided microwaves are used to break down their chemical structure.” Problems with this re-designation abound. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) provides a basic definition of renewable energy resources on their kid-focused website. It says that these sources of energy “can be replenished in a short period of time. The five renewable sources used most often are:”

• biomass – including wood and wood waste, municipal solid waste, landfill and biogas, ethanol, and biodiesel
• hydropower
• geothermal
• wind
• solar

Many of the examples on the EIA’s list are easily identifiable as renewable energy sources. Only solid waste (and the related landfill and biogas) do not necessarily represent renewable sources of energy, as not all material deposited in landfills is renewable. However, the New York Times article states that roughly “half of the 28 states with renewable mandates include electricity generated by burning garbage.” While much of the material that compromises landfills is recyclable (figures state that roughly 50% of some landfills are paper, cardboard, and plastic), they are not necessarily renewable.

It is imperative that the government block the inclusion of sources of energy that cannot be replenished in a short period of time from being designated as renewable fuel sources. One important facet of renewable energy is its clean, non-polluting quality. Many of the energy sources under consideration for rebranding (or greenwashing), do not provide the reduction in greenhouse gases at the heart of truly clean energy.

- Eric Wilson

[image source: alternative-energy.us]