Charleston Leader

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee recently held a hearing on "Avoiding, Detecting, and Capturing Methane Emissions from Landfills." Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivered an opening statement, highlighting the importance of addressing landfill emissions and calling for achievable regulations and targeted incentives.

Ranking Member Capito acknowledged that while landfills are now the third largest source of methane emissions in the U.S., progress has been made in reducing these emissions. She emphasized that the issue of landfill emissions is not just an environmental problem but an economic one, as methane lost to the atmosphere could be used for energy or manufacturing.

"Through innovation thanks to the realization of its monetary value, the landfill sector has significantly improved its capacity to collect and manage landfill gas," said Ranking Member Capito. "Since 1990, U.S. landfills have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 38 percent."

Ranking Member Capito also highlighted the efforts to increase recycling rates and promote composting programs nationwide, which results in fewer methane-producing materials ending up in landfills. Additionally, she noted that operational efficiency and improved land use have led to a decrease in the number of landfills.

However, Ranking Member Capito expressed concerns about the approach of the current administration, particularly the Air Office at the EPA, which she believes has pursued punitive regulations that are impossible to achieve. She cited examples such as the "Clean Power Plan 2.0" and the "Good Neighbor" regulations.

"We don't want to repeat those mistakes here," said Ranking Member Capito. "It is important that Congress scrutinize proposed regulations coming out of the Air Office that deal with landfill methane."

Ranking Member Capito emphasized the potential of natural gas derived from landfill methane to generate reliable electricity or be used as transportation or industrial fuels. She expressed concern that the landfill sector may face a similar approach as the fossil fuel industry, where the goal is to make them uneconomic through crushing regulations.

The Ranking Member raised specific concerns about proposed changes to the Clean Air Act's New Source Review program, which she believes would create a burdensome regulatory landscape for landfills seeking to address fugitive methane emissions. She also highlighted the difficulties faced by landfills in accessing emissions reductions tax credits and participating in the EPA's implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Ranking Member Capito pointed out that the EPA will be considering several burdensome rulemakings on landfills this year, including evaluations of New Source Review rules and the review of New Source Performance Standards and Emission Guidelines for Municipal Solid Waste landfills under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act.

She called for bipartisan solutions and highlighted the need for additional support from the EPA to research and evaluate cutting-edge technologies for detecting and quantifying methane emissions from landfills. Ranking Member Capito urged her colleagues to work on permitting reform and updating outdated environmental regulations to ensure that emissions-reducing technologies can be effectively implemented and make a difference.

In conclusion, Ranking Member Capito thanked the witnesses present at the hearing and expressed her anticipation for the discussion ahead.