Spokane invests in waste to energy for cleaner future

During a recent Spokane City Council meeting, significant discussions centered around the appointment of Jennifer Hoepiger to the Ethics Commission and the city's ongoing waste-to-energy initiatives.

The council unanimously approved Hoepiger's appointment for a term extending from June 17, 2024, to June 17, 2027, following a brief call for public comments on the consent agenda.

Resident Larry Andrews addressed the council, emphasizing the importance of the city's waste-to-energy program. He highlighted that Spokane is investing approximately $1 million this year to enhance its waste-to-energy capabilities, which he believes is crucial for reducing landfill waste and generating energy. Andrews noted that the emissions from the facility are primarily water vapor, attributing the clean emissions to the use of natural gas in the process. He advocated for continued support of natural gas, citing its reliability during recent power outages caused by a windstorm, which left homes with natural gas heating unaffected while those relying on electric heat pumps faced challenges.

The discussions reflect Spokane's commitment to sustainable energy solutions while addressing community needs for reliable heating sources.