State Funding Resources for Landfill Gas Energy Projects
State Funding Resources and Electricity Portfolio Standards
There are many state resources for landfill gas (LFG) energy projects, including resources provided by state agencies and private foundations. EPA does not intend for this website to provide an exhaustive list of available funding resources for LFG energy projects. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), 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 Electricity 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 can vary widely. In some states, all utilities are subject to the RPS requirements, while 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.
A clean energy standard (CES) is similar to an RPS in that it requires clean electricity targets be met but the qualified resources are expanded beyond a typical RPS to include other low- or non-carbon types of technologies. Renewable portfolio goals (RPGs) and clean energy goals (CEGs) provide state-level goals for renewable or clean electricity generation or sales, instead of requirements.
As of April 2021, 37 states, Washington, D.C., Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands had an RPS, a CES, an RPG and/or a CEG. LFG is potentially an eligible renewable energy resource in all these states and territories.
For more information about and updates to state electricity portfolio programs, see the DSIRE website. The Filter feature in DSIRE can be useful for obtaining a comprehensive list of up-to-date state programs 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. See also DSIRE’s summary map of Renewable Portfolio Standards and Clean Energy Standards.
For more information about CESs and CEGs, see the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions’ Clean Energy Standards: State and Federal Policy Options and Considerations.
In addition, the National Conference of State Legislatures maintains a State Renewable Portfolio Standards and Goals webpage with details by state and a summary map.