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Yes, Landfill Gas Engines Will Produce More Poison Ivy but also More Tomatoes

A New York Times article warns of the impending growth of poison ivy. Yes, but this fertilization effect of CO2 has been put to good use by thousands of greenhouses around the world. GE, Cummins and other engine manufacturers are actively pursuing CHP projects which provide greenhouses with electricity, heat, light and CO2. Is it better to increase the production of tomatoes or retard the growth of poison ivy? The Southcoast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) struggled with this question in the recent analysis of the 1110.2 biogas emission amendment. The question is whether landfill gas engines would be a better choice than just flaring. The Beverly Hills estate owner who can easily buy whatever tomatoes are desired but is struggling to keep poison ivy under control will have a completely different value judgment than a starving child in Sudan. Should SCAQMD prioritize the desires of its residents above those of the starving people in the world? The answer is “Yes.” But this does not mean that every government in the world should reflect the values of SCAQMD residents. There is a broader implication …

Revision Date:  9/1/2016

Tags:  McIlvaine, Gas Engines, Waste-to-Energy