State Funding Resources for Landfill Gas Energy Projects
State Funding Resources and Renewable Portfolio Standards
There are many state resources for landfill gas (LFG) energy projects, including resources provided by state agencies and private foundations. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) Exit, is a comprehensive resource for state financial incentives as well as rules, regulations, and policies that encourage renewable energy, including LFG energy. DSIRE, which is managed by LMOP State Partner NC Clean Energy Technology Center, was established in 1995 and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
State Renewable Portfolio Standards
A renewable portfolio standard (RPS) is a legislative requirement for utilities to generate or sell a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable energy sources. The percentage requirements under RPS programs vary widely, but currently all state-wide RPSs classify LFG as a renewable resource. In some states, all utilities are subject to the RPS requirements; in other states, only public utilities or investor-owned utilities are required to meet the percentage standard. In a few instances, cities or utilities have implemented their own RPS in the absence of a state-wide program, such as LMOP Energy Partner JEA in Florida.
As of April 2016, 37 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, N. Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have an active RPS or a renewable portfolio goal (RPG), where LFG is potentially an eligible renewable energy resource (see the map below).
For more information about and updates to RPS/RPG programs and their requirements, see the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) Exit. The Filter feature in DSIRE Exit can be useful for obtaining a comprehensive list of up-to-date RPS/RPG that apply to LFG. Select the “Apply Filter” button at the right, select “Program Type”, check the box for “Renewables Portfolio Standard” and select “Apply Filters” at the bottom.