Growing up surrounded by landfills, I have witnessed first-hand the damaging health impacts they impose on our communities. Not only do landfills occupy valuable land, but they also necessitate long distances for waste transport, increasing emissions from vehicles and contributing to environmental degradation. Recognizing these challenges, I believe there is a pressing need for waste-to-energy (WtE) incinerators to be optimized as a viable alternative.

WtE incinerators are often misunderstood, with many critiques based on decades-old data. In reality, modern WtE facilities operate with advanced pollution controls and continuous monitoring that drastically reduce emissions. One of the biggest misconceptions is that incineration worsens climate change, yet lifecycle analyses show that diverting 1 ton of waste from landfill avoids roughly 1 ton of CO₂-equivalent methane, a potent greenhouse gas that regularly leaks from U.S. landfills. When this diversion is paired with energy recovery that displaces fossil generation, WtE can offer a clear net climate benefit. 

Put simply: when held to modern standards, WtE is not a “dirty burner” but a practical tool for reducing landfill methane and managing residual waste responsibly.

Scientific studies, such as the 2023 research by Dal Pozzo et al., confirm that improvements in WtE technology can significantly reduce air pollution. The study, published in the reputable journal Waste Management, highlights the techno-economic benefits of implementing lower emission standards for waste-to-energy acid gas emissions. This advancement can lead the way in addressing our waste management issues while minimizing its environmental footprint.

Despite having the technology at our disposal, the implementation of these upgrades in existing incinerators is lagging. Many facilities continue to operate under outdated standards, releasing harmful emissions that threaten both public health and our environment.

We urgently need U.S.-based community research to drive the retrofitting of current incinerators. Stronger regulatory actions must be taken to enforce compliance with modern emissions standards. Doing so will not only protect our environment but also pave the way for healthier communities.

Join me in urging our government and environmental regulatory bodies, specifically the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — Office of Air and Radiation, to prioritize updating policies and providing necessary resources. With your support, we can push for improved technological adaptations in WtE incinerators that are instrumental in safeguarding both our planet and its people.

Sign this petition to demand action for cleaner, more efficient waste-to-energy practices that will help create a sustainable future for all.