Landfill Methane Outreach Program
State Funding Resources and Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS)
Funding Resources
There are many state resources for landfill gas (LFG) energy projects, including resources provided by state agencies and private foundations. The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE), 
is a comprehensive resource for state financial incentives as well as rules, regulations, and policies that encourage renewable energy, including LFG energy. DSIRE, which is managed by LMOP State Partner North Carolina Solar Center, was established in 1995 and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
State Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS)
A renewable portfolio standard (RPS) is a legislative requirement for utilities to generate or sell a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable energy sources. The percentage requirements under RPS programs vary widely, but currently all state-wide RPSs classify LFG as a renewable resource. In some states, all utilities are subject to the RPS requirements; in other states, only public utilities or investor-owned utilities are required to meet the percentage standard. In a few instances, cities or utilities have implemented their own RPS in the absence of a statewide program, such as LMOP Energy Partner Jacksonville Electricity Authority in Florida.
As of September 2012, 37 states, the District of Columbia, N. Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have enacted an RPS or a renewable portfolio goal (RPG), where LFG is potentially an eligible renewable energy resource (see the map below).
States with RPS that include LFG
States with RPG (i.e., non-mandated) that include LFG
For more information about and updates to RPS/RPG programs and their requirements, see the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) . The Search feature in DSIRE can be useful for obtaining a comprehensive list of up-to-date RPS/RPG that apply to LFG. Select “Renewables Portfolio Standards” from the Incentive/Policy Type dropdown box. For more specific results, select “Biomass” or “Landfill Gas” from the Technology dropdown or other options from the additional search criteria.