Is burning trash worth the cash? Spokane to use 650,000 in grant funds to study incinerator as state cracks down on emissions

Spokane is investing $650,000 in state grant funds to study the feasibility of carbon capture technology at its Waste-to-Energy Plant, which is the city’s primary source of greenhouse gas emissions. Local officials argue that this facility, operational since 1991, is a more climate-friendly alternative compared to landfills, which primarily produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Despite these claims, the plant is subject to state carbon credit auctions and could incur costs as high as $8 million annually by 2027 unless an exemption is secured. State Senator Jeff Holy is advocating for legislative support to exempt the facility from these costs, with assistance from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. The approved study will be conducted by CarbonQuest, which aims to explore the potential of installing carbon capture technology and methods for carbon disposal.

Councilman Michael Cathcart has expressed concerns about the timeline and competitive nature of the contract with CarbonQuest due to funding restrictions. The urgency of obtaining an exemption is emphasized by the potential for steep rate increases that local residents could face if the costs are passed on. This initiative not only seeks to enhance the plant's environmental performance but also addresses the financial implications for Spokane’s residents.