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U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for April 23

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WASHINGTON, April 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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MONDAY, APRIL 23: MAKING ELECTRICITY FROM GARBAGE

Profile America — Monday, April 23rd. People who have used computers for some time will remember the saying "garbage in — garbage out." In these days of intensive search for alternative ways to create energy, the words may become "garbage in — energy out," as an increasing number of power plants burn garbage instead of fossil fuels. The first power plant in the U.S. to burn garbage was the Union Electric Company in St. Louis, Missouri, this month in 1972. The U.S. now burns about 14 percent of its trash, compared to the 54 percent of the world leader, Denmark. Coal, natural gas, and nuclear power currently generate most electricity used in the U.S. Among renewable energy sources, hydroelectric plants lead in the generation of electricity. Profile America is completing its 15th year as a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sources: Kane's Famous First Facts, 3489
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2009, t.903

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau