Fight heats up over waste to energy Covanta Energy Corp. is
asking the state to include waste-to-energy plants as part of
New York’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, a move some
environmentalists oppose as improperly designating that
technology as green. Covanta and its supporters argue waste to
energy is an efficient, environmental means of generating power
from refuse. Critics, however, charge these plants, which
produce power by burning garbage, are little more than
incinerators adapted to produce electricity. The Public Service
Commission is accepting public comment on Covanta’s request
until Aug. 19. If the state includes this power source in its
portfolio, the energy the plants produce could qualify for
various incentives and benefits. “While our society produces
more and more garbage, that doesn’t make it a renewable
resource,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of
Citizens Campaign for the Environment. Covanta operates four
facilities on Long Island in Westbury, East Northport, West
Babylon and R