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The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has also recognized the greenhouse gas mitigation aspect of waste-to-energy. The IPCC acknowledges that “incineration reduces the mass of waste and can offset fossil-fuel use; in addition greenhouse gas emissions are avoided, except for the small contribution from fossil carbon.” This acknowledgement by the IPCC is particularly relevant due to the IPCC being an independent panel of scientific and technical experts that shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors adopted a resolution in 2004 recognizing the greenhouse gas reduction benefits of waste-to-energy. In addition, the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement supports a 7 percent reduction in greenhouse gases from 1990 levels by 2012. By signing the agreement, mayors have pledged to take actions in their own communities to meet this target, and have recognized waste-to- energy technology as a means to achieve that goal. As of July 2, 2008, 850 mayors have signed the agreement.

“Generation of energy from municipal solid waste disposed in a waste-to-energy facility
not only offers significant environmental and renewable benefits, but also provides greater energy diversity and increased energy security for our nation.”

—The United States Conference of Mayors, Adopted Resolution on Comprehensive Solid Waste Disposal Management (2005)