Colorado is taking steps to address the millions of metric tons of greenhouse gases released by landfills in the state each year. This organic waste, which includes food, paper, and yard trimmings, decomposes into the soil, contributing to global warming and posing risks to human health.
The state plans to implement new rules next year that could require landfill operators to install equipment to reduce methane emissions and improve monitoring technology to track the amount of greenhouse gases being generated. These efforts are part of Colorado’s goal to eliminate 90% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The Air Quality Control Commission is expected to establish these regulations in August, positioning Colorado as one of the first states to enact stricter landfill regulations than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Reducing methane emissions from landfills not only helps combat climate change but also benefits communities near these sites, particularly those with lower incomes and residents from marginalized groups. Improving air quality in Colorado, which currently fails to meet federal ozone standards, is another key objective of these initiatives.
According to Suzanne Jones, executive director of Eco-Cycle, reducing methane emissions from landfills is a cost-effective climate action solution. Colorado aims to leverage its expertise in methane monitoring from oil and gas operations to set a model for landfill emissions regulation nationwide.
There are 51 active landfills in Colorado, some owned by municipalities or private companies. The new methane reduction regulations would apply to a yet-to-be-determined number of these landfills, with requirements for gas collection and control systems to capture methane. Operators can choose to burn off methane or convert it into natural gas for energy use.
Additional measures being considered include the use of biofilters or biocovers to reduce methane emissions passively. Environmentalists advocate for enhanced monitoring techniques, such as drones and satellite imagery, to detect methane leaks more effectively.
While the focus is on reducing methane emissions, some advocates, like Brian Loma from GreenLatinos Colorado, emphasize the importance of reducing waste sent to landfills through increased composting and recycling efforts.
Public hearings on Colorado’s proposed methane reduction rules are scheduled for early 2025, offering opportunities for feedback and engagement in the regulatory process. Interested individuals can register to attend or comment on the rules through the provided link.
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