Top: Images courtesy Industrious Labs

California could reduce landfill methane emissions by 52% by 2050 and 64% by 2099 by adopting common-sense standards to the state’s landfill methane rules this year, according to a new report from Industrious Labs. 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,” notes Katherine Blauvelt, Circular Economy Director at Industrious Labs. “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.” 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, according to Industrious Labs. CARB’s proposed rule updates, presented at a December 18, 2024 public workshop, fail to incorporate these common-sense measures, adds Blauvelt.

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. For example, the Frank Bowerman Landfill in Orange County (CA) 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success and availability, CARB’s current proposal would make the use of such technology optional, relying instead on outdated methane monitoring practices that let enormous amounts of methane go unchecked,” says Blauvelt.