Former state treasurer Tom Loehr wants to build a methane-fueled generating plant at Charleston's landfill.

The plant would burn methane generated as a byproduct from the decomposing trash.

Loehr explained his proposal to City Council Monday. Loehr now runs Fourth Venture Group and WeSave Inc.

He says he's lined up private investors for the $3 million project, called Charleston Clean Energy LLC.

Loehr says power from the three-megawatt plant would be fed through nearby power lines into the interstate grid.

The city would receive a 12.5 percent royalty on all power sold.

University of Charleston President Ed Welch says UC is interested in buying power from the plant if the price is right.