Conversion of Urban Waste to Energy

Legislation has been proposed which provides for an accelerated program for the conversion of urban wastes to energy. GAO agreed with the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power and the other sponsors of the bill that it is the proper and appropriate role of the Federal Government to support research, development, demonstration, and commercialization efforts to convert municipal wastes into energy and to assist private industy and the general public in hastening the development of this resource. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, along with other existing legislation, provides the basis for the Federal role in the development and commercialization of municipal solid waste energy systems. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy are responsible for administering the legislation. A review of the program at these agencies revealed that the Urban Waste-to-Energy Program appeared to be fragmented, uncoordinated, inadequately funded, uncertain in its priorities, and lacking in detailed overall strategy. GAO concluded that if the program were improved to provide the needed information, assistance, and incentives, it would be possible that many waste-to-energy systems now in the planning or study phases could be implemented and become operational by 1985. GAO believed urban waste-to-energy systems can provide a valuable supplement to the Nation's energy supply and help to resolve material resource and solid waste disposal problems. However, a more active role by the Federal Government is required if technologically and economically viable waste-to-energy systems are to be used on an accelerated schedule in the near- and mid-terms. The proposed bill contains provisions consistent with recommendations contained in an earlier GAO report, and provides for Federal assistance which can be used to meet the site-specific needs of those waste-to-energy systems being planned or implemented. GAO believed it essential that all agencies involved in this effort be committed to the bill's purpose and be willing to commit resources and establish priorities consistent with achieving the energy and materials recovery of the bill's objectives.