State Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS)
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 RPS 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 statewide program, such as LMOP Energy Partner Jacksonville Electricity Authority in Florida.
As of July 13, 2009, 35 states plus the District of Columbia have enacted an RPS or a renewable portfolio goal (RPG), where LFG is potentially an eligible renewable energy resource (see the map below). LMOP will continue to track how RPS/RPG and other clean energy policies can help with development of more LFGE facilities. For more information about and updates to RPS/RPG programs and their requirements, see the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE),  managed by LMOP State Partner North Carolina Solar Center. LMOP recommends selecting “Biomass” and “Landfill Gas” under the Search By . . . Technology tool to obtain a comprehensive list of up-to-date RPS/RPG that apply to LFG.
States with RPS that include LFG
States with RPG (i.e., non-mandated) that include LFG
Thirty-five states and the District of Columbia have implemented RPS or RPG programs where LFG may be an eligible renewable resource. |
