"The methane released by U.S. landfills could be cut in half in the next 25 years if the EPA adopts policies that some states have now, a new study finds."
"A few relatively simple policy fixes could cut the amount of planet-warming methane released by U.S. landfills in half in the next 25 years, according to research published on Tuesday. The report, “Turning Down the Heat” by the nonprofit think tank Industrious Labs, estimated the emissions reductions that would occur if the nation put in place more aggressive policies to capture methane spewing from decomposing organic waste in landfills.
Around the world and in the U.S., landfills are the third-largest source of methane emissions, which over a 20-year time period heat the planet 80 times more than carbon dioxide. Recent research has suggested that methane emissions from landfills are even higher than previously thought. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has acknowledged the problem, and in July the agency announced that next year it will release new rules aimed at reducing landfill methane.
In an interview with Canary Media, policy experts at Industrious Labs said their research illuminates how straightforward policy changes that the EPA could make would result in significant improvements for the climate.
“This analysis shows that reducing landfill emissions is a tool that’s within easy reach if the EPA drafts a rule that really meets the moment,” said Katherine Blauvelt, the circular-economy director at Industrious Labs."
Keaton Peters reports for Canary Media October 22, 2024.
SEE ALSO:
"This Automated Tool Helps Tackle Methane Emissions From Landfills" (Canary Media)
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