LANDFILLS EXPAND ENERGY OUTPUT.

This article reports that high fossil fuel prices and growing concern about global climate change are creating favorable conditions for landfill gas energy (LFGE) projects in the U.S. Notably, endorsement of LFGE by federal agencies and many states as a form of "green" power has enabled LFGE developers to earn premiums for electricity marketed through green power programs, and to benefit from expanded federal tax credits for renewable energy production. Landfill gas, however, is not universally accepted as renewable. Critics argue that landfills are not sustainable because of their environmental and public health impacts, including air emissions, odors and potential groundwater contamination. Accordingly, they oppose providing incentives for LFGE projects that will improve landfills' operating economics, which in turn could reduce tipping fees and undercut support for source reduction and recycling. Notwithstanding these concerns, many environmentalists support including LFG in green power offerings and renewable portfolio standards. INSETS: ORGANICS BYPASS THE LANDFILL IN CENTRAL OHIO;LANDFILL METHANE PROJECTS WILL BE DISCUSSED AT . . ..