Dec 14 - Massachusetts Upholds Waste-to-Energy Ban

In a rebuff to powerful waste industry efforts, state officials in Massachusetts have decided to uphold a 15-year moratorium on the development of new Waste-to-Energy facilities. The proposal to lift the incinerator ban was strongly opposed by Clean Water Action and Massachusetts Sierra Club.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick issued a statement saying that "We are serious about managing the waste we generate in a way that saves money for cities and towns, curbs pollution, and protects the environment."

According to the Boston Globe, "Environmental officials had decried the efforts to end the moratorium, arguing that new incinerators, however improved technologically, would contribute more pollution. Allowing new plants, they said, would encourage more incineration of waste and stifle incentives to recycle."