A company that operates four waste-to-energy power plants on Long Island is lobbying to get its technology included in New York State's renewable portfolio standard program, according to the Long Island Business News.

Serious questions remain about waste-to-energy, but climate change has reopened the discussion about its potential.Representatives of Covanta point out that 25 states and the federal government already classify waste-to-energy as a renewable resource. Renewable energy initiatives in New York State are eligible for special incentives, from sources that include the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the 2009 federal stimulus package). Covanta operates plants in Hempstead, Babylon, Huntington and Islip.

The re-classification is opposed by some Long Island environmental groups, who argue that it would create an incentive to produce more non-recyclable waste and lead to more plants being built in low-income areas.

Waste-to-energy is a technology that has a very complex history. Decades ago, incinerators were the most common way to dispose of trash. The first generation of waste-to-energy plants were closed because of the threat of localized air pollution. But in an era of global climate change -- and improved pollution controls -- it seems waste-to-energy is getting a second look.