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Board authorizes RFQ for legal services on REF‑1R; Sierra Club urges lifecycle cost analysis and alternatives to incineration
Summary
The board authorized advertising an RFQ for legal services tied to the Palm Beach Renewable Energy Facility (REF‑1R). Sierra Club speakers urged a full lifecycle cost analysis and recommended alternatives including pay‑as‑you‑throw and expanded composting to reduce waste and pollution risks.
The Solid Waste Authority authorized staff to advertise a request for qualifications to shortlist law firms for construction, energy and environmental work related to the Palm Beach Renewable Energy Facility (REF‑1R).
Staff said firms will be shortlisted for expertise in construction law, energy law and environmental law and that a recommendation will return to the board in April. The board voted to authorize the RFQ.
During public comment, Linda Smith of the Sierra Club’s Loxahatchee Group requested that the board require a lifecycle cost analysis in addition to the legal procurement and reiterated concerns raised earlier in the meeting about incineration. Gail Ladd (Sierra Club) earlier warned that a proposed 3,000–4,000 ton/day incinerator could be among the county’s top industrial emitters of toxic pollutants, citing a study by Mike Ewall and the Earthjustice Network and urging alternatives such as pay‑as‑you‑throw, expanded commercial and residential composting, and stronger recycling programs. The board approved issuing the RFQ and directed staff to return with a shortlist and recommendation.
