Transcript Agenda for November 16, 2005 Meeting Between IWSA and EPA

WTE in Washington: Making
the Case for Waste-to-Energy
Presented by:
Ted Michaels
President
Integrated Waste Services Association
September 20, 2007
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IWSA in Washington -- Overview
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New Political Landscape
WTE Status as Renewable
Climate Change Legislation
Emissions Standards (MACT)
WTE in the Court of Public Opinion
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The New Washington Political Climate
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Democratic Control of House (233-202) and
Senate (51-49) versus Republican White
House.
The Presidential Election of 2008 has begun
early and the stakes are high.
As in any Congress, the House is aggressive
and the Senate deliberates with greater effect.
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WTE as Renewable
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Congress is seeking to promote renewable
electricity sources through two primary
mechanisms:
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Mandatory national renewable portfolio standard
(RPS)
Extension of the Section 45 renewable energy
production tax credits
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WTE as Renewable
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The Senate Energy bill passed in June
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The House Energy bill passed in August
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It did not include an RPS
It did not extend the production tax credits
Created a national RPS by a 220-190 vote that does not
recognize WTE as renewable
Extended the production tax credits for WTE for 4 additional
years
The House-Senate conference which will reconcile
these vastly different proposals has not yet begun.
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WTE as Renewable
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From a WTE perspective the House RPS has
3 major flaws:
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3.
It does not include waste-to-energy as an eligible
renewable resource that can sell renewable
energy credits (RECs)
It only provides RECs to facilities placed in
service after Jan. 1, 2001
It gives RECs to utilities that buy power under
existing contracts
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WTE as Renewable
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How does this affect waste-to-energy facilities?
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Facilities will not be able to sell their RECs in a market
thirsty for renewable energy. This will be a significant
source of lost potential revenue.
Facilities will have to compete against landfills with
energy recovery who will receive revenue from REC
sales
Waste-to-energy will lose the cache of being renewable
in the most aggressive federal renewable policy
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Climate Change in the Headlines
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The climate change issue has taken hold of
Washington and perhaps the nation.
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Multiple articles in the news every day.
Congressional action has been promised by the new leadership.
States are taking action in different ways which will motivate
many to seek one federal solution rather being forced to comply
with 50 individual plans.
Media coverage will spark congressional action
which will in turn spark more media coverage.
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IWSA and Climate Change
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Priorities in the debate
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WTE exempt from mandatory reductions
WTE allowed to sell credits (offsets) from avoided
emissions to those that must reduce emissions
IWSA is making this a top priority and has hired
consultants to hone our message and lobby the
relevant members of Congress.
Help from our local government partners will be
incredibly valuable in this debate.
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To Summarize the Task at Hand
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Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.), the chairman of the
Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee, vowed to
write an economy-wide, cap-and-trade bill that could
overcome a Senate filibuster and be signed into law
by President Bush.
Upon hearing his Democratic colleague's
predictions, House Energy and Commerce
Committee ranking member Joe Barton (R-Texas)
responded, "What Mr. Boucher has outlined would
be a legislative miracle of biblical proportions."
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MACT Timeline and IWSA Efforts
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December 19, 2005 – EPA proposed revised MACT standards.
February 6, 2006 – IWSA submits voluminous comments.
February 16, 2006 – IWSA meets with Walt Stevenson of EPA in RTP, North
Carolina.
March 16, 2006 – IWSA meets with Acting Assistant Administrator for Air and
Radiation Bill Wehrum.
April 19, 2006 – IWSA meets with White House Office of Management and
Budget.
April 28, 2006 – EPA finalizes the revised MACT standards.
July 7, 2006 – Sierra Club/Earthjustice challenge the rule both administratively
and judicially.
August 3, 2006 – IWSA intervenes in the litigation to defend the final rule.
October 16, 2006 – The DC Circuit Court stays the litigation pending
reconsideration by EPA of the Sierra Club’s administrative appeal
March 14, 2007 – EPA signs a proposed rule agreeing to reconsider three issues
raised by the Sierra Club, but recommends no changes to the final rule.
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Disseminating the Message
Ultimately Support WTE’s Lobbying Efforts
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IWSA Public Affairs Committee is
tasked with promoting the industry.
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Columbia University’s WTERT
provides independent perspective.
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IWSA Municipal Committee supports
the mission through Legislative FlyIns and timely correspondence.
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IWSA Information Tools
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IWSA has completely redesigned its webpage.
IWSA has reinvigorated its roster of
publications through a combination of new
and revised fact sheets, brochures, and
booklets.
IWSA responds to negative articles or op-eds.
Please forward any that you see so we can set
the record straight.
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Conclusions
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The 110th Congress has presented WTE with
opportunities and challenges.
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The industry must be vigilant and persistent.
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Local government support is critical in having our
message heard in congressional offices.
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Information is our best tool.
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