Report: Common-sense standards could cut California landfill methane emissions

California could reduce landfill methane emissions by 52 percent by 2050 and 64 percent by 2099 by adopting common-sense standards to the state’s landfill methane rules this year, according to a new report from Industrious Labs, a U.S.-based environmental advocacy group.

California’s landfills emit more than 7.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent of methane annually, the same climate impact as driving 1.7 million cars for one year. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is currently considering updates to its 15-year-old landfill emissions standards, which regulate how landfill operators monitor, control and capture emissions. 

“When it comes to landfill methane standards in California, the bar is far too low. Weak regulations mean facilities across the state routinely fail to take basic steps to better detect, manage and reduce millions of tons of methane emissions. It needs to be an urgent priority, and we’re not seeing CARB or the Newsom administration treat it as such,” says Katherine Blauvelt, circular economy director at Industrious Labs. “CARB must tackle this issue head-on and deliver cleaner air to local communities by raising the bar for how landfills are managed today.”

RELATED: Study: More can be done to reduce landfill methane emissions

The report, Golden Opportunity: California's roadmap to slashing methane emissions from landfills, highlights the modeled impact of several best practices, including improved gas collection practices, adequate landfill cover and limiting landfills’ active work face—all practical, proven methane reduction strategies that have received support from climate and environmental justice advocates. CARB’s proposed rule updates, presented at a Dec. 18 public workshop, fail to incorporate these common-sense measures, Industrious Labs says. 

The report further emphasizes the importance of effective, comprehensive monitoring for methane leaks using up-to-date technologies that make finding and fixing methane leaks exponentially easier and limit error. Already, the Frank Bowerman Landfill in Orange County has adopted a “Smart Landfill System” that relies on 24/7 sensors, drones and more to track methane emissions in real-time. Despite proven success and availability, CARB’s current proposal would make the use of such technology optional, relying instead on outdated methane monitoring practices that let enormous amounts of methane go unchecked, the organization says.

“California has long been a leader in climate action, but our regulations must keep pace with today’s challenges,” says Erica Parker, Policy Associate at Californians Against Waste. “We’ve known for some time that stronger landfill regulations would lead to significant methane reductions, and this report makes it clear that the climate and public health benefits are too great to ignore. CARB must seize this opportunity to lead and adopt landfill rules that reflect the urgency of the climate crisis and advancements in mitigation technology.” 

CARB’s next meeting, scheduled for March 27-28, will be attended by Californians impacted by the Chiquita Canyon Landfill in Castaic. Residents will testify to their personal experiences with landfill pollution and urge CARB to make updating the Landfill Methane Rule an urgent priority.