Anaerobic Digestion as a Renewable Energy Source and Waste Management Technology: What Must Be Done for this Technology to Realize Success in the United States?

29 Pages Posted: 7 Apr 2014 Last revised: 12 Dec 2014

See all articles by Blake Klinkner

Blake Klinkner

University of North Dakota School of Law; Independent

Date Written: April 5, 2014

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion technology uses microorganisms to consume waste and produce methane gas, which serves as a source of clean renewable energy. Although anaerobic digestion is widely used for both purposes throughout the rest of the world, it is rarely applied in the United States. This Article explains the scientific processes of anaerobic digestion. It then discusses how anaerobic digestion has been used throughout history and among societies as a waste management technology and a source of renewable energy. The Article continues by addressing the legal aspects of anaerobic digestion, examining the reasons why it is not widely used in the United States. The Article concludes with solutions that may allow anaerobic digestion to become more widely adopted throughout the United States.

Keywords: green energy, clean energy, trash, garbage, biogas, climate change, global warming, bacteria, law, electricity, emissions, compost, composting, landfill, landfills, recycling, recycle, power, economics, pollution, carbon, fossil fuel, fossil fuels, feed-in tariff, PURPA, greenhouse, biomass

JEL Classification: N50, N52, N53, N54, N55, N70, N71, N72, N73, N74, N75

Suggested Citation

Klinkner, Blake, Anaerobic Digestion as a Renewable Energy Source and Waste Management Technology: What Must Be Done for this Technology to Realize Success in the United States? (April 5, 2014). University of Massachusetts Law Review, Vol. 9, 2014, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2420832

Blake Klinkner (Contact Author)

University of North Dakota School of Law ( email )

215 Centennial Dr.
Grand Forks, ND ND 58202-9003
United States

Independent ( email )

University of North Dakota School of Law
215 Centennial Drive, Stop 9003
Grand Forks, ND 58202
United States
701-777-2805 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://https://und.edu/directory/blake.klinkner

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