Maryland leaders and sustainability advocates are advocating for legislation that would remove trash incineration from the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to prioritize sustainable alternative forms of renewable energy. The Reclaim Renewable Energy Act (HB220) would prioritize energy from Tier 1 renewable sources like solar, wind, geothermal, and ocean energy, among others. It would also allow older renewable sources to be eligible for the RPS. The bill aims to address concerns raised by a South Baltimore community about toxic chemicals from a trash incinerator affecting residents’ health. The community filed a complaint with the EPA, which has led to an investigation into the site. The complaint alleges that the city’s waste management plan does not do enough to divert trash from the incinerator. Advocates believe the legislation is a critical step in Maryland’s transition to Zero Waste and ensuring state resources support genuinely renewable energy solutions. They hope to see a move away from trash burning altogether in the future.
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