I work for a company that uses renewable energy sources (landfill gas) to generate electricity. This company goes against every principle for renewable resources. We do it without relying on tax incentives (we just ain't smart enough to get them, I suppose). We actually, sometimes make money generating electricity from a renewable resource. Guess that's why they appealed to me. I like going against the grain and doing it "wrong."
The EPA has an office (LMOP-Landfill Methane Outreach Program) that actively supports ventures using renewable resources. The EPA has much larger, better staffed offices to put every imaginable roadblock, as well as some no rational human could imagine, in place to prevent it's use. The EPA's compliance and permitting folks do a much better job at preventing beneficial use of this sustainable, renewable energy source.
Most "green" energy projects like ours cost more than conventional electrical generation. In some places, like Seattle, consumers are given the option of using green energy and indicate their willingness to pay more for "green" electricity. It is unsurprising that the enviros don't get as many takers as they would like. I don't know many folks who want to pay more for their electricity.
We are all for green energy except when we have to pay a premium to get it or put the project in our back yard. Notice that the wind turbine boom suddenly went into steep decline when the tax subsidies ran out?
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