Maryland faces pressure to end public subsidies for trash incineration due to environmental and health concerns.
Trash incinerators emit harmful pollutants, worsening air quality and health conditions like asthma in nearby communities.
Legislation aims to remove trash incineration from the state's renewable energy credit system, with advocates hoping for gubernatorial support.
Key quote:
“... once I learned that I was funding this pollution through my utility bills, I became extremely upset because it felt I was paying for my demise.”
— Shanae Thomas, community activist and resident
Why this matters:
When garbage is burned, it doesn't simply disappear. Instead, the process transforms solid waste materials into gas and ash. This transformation releases various pollutants into the air, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and even forever chemicals such as PFAS.
The mayor and city council have enacted a one-year moratorium after the EPA raised multiple environmental justice concerns, from toxic air to hazardous waste.
Affirming long-standing incineration regulations, the Biden administration has withdrawn a plan to help ease the way for unchecked pyrolysis and gasification of plastic.
United Nations delegates gathering for a second negotiating session stake out their positions as environmental groups, businesses and scientists seek to influence the outcome of plastic treaty talks.
