Charleston Leader

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee recently held a hearing on the topic of "Avoiding, Detecting, and Capturing Methane Emissions from Landfills." Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivered an opening statement in which she emphasized the need for achievable regulations and targeted incentives to address the issue of landfill methane emissions.

Capito acknowledged the progress that has been made in reducing emissions from landfills in the United States. She noted that since 1990, U.S. landfills have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 38 percent. Recycling rates are increasing, and composting programs are taking off nationwide, leading to fewer methane-producing materials ending up in landfills. Additionally, operational efficiency and improved land use have resulted in a decrease in the number of landfills.

However, Capito expressed concern about the approach taken by the current administration, particularly the Air Office at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She criticized the pursuit of punitive regulations that are impossible to achieve, such as the "Clean Power Plan 2.0" and the "Good Neighbor" regulations. Capito argued that any regulations aimed at addressing landfill methane should be achievable and that incentives should be targeted.

Capito highlighted the economic potential of landfill methane. She emphasized that methane lost to the atmosphere could be used for energy or manufacturing. Natural gas derived from landfill methane can be utilized to generate reliable electricity or as transportation or industrial fuels, promoting energy independence while reducing emissions.

Capito expressed concern that the landfill sector is facing a similar approach as the Biden and Obama administrations took with regard to fossil fuels, where the goal is to make them uneconomic and then use regulations to achieve that outcome. She specifically mentioned proposed changes to the Clean Air Act's New Source Review program that could create a burdensome regulatory landscape for landfills seeking to implement technology innovations to address fugitive methane emissions.

Capito also raised concerns about the waste sector's permitting obstacles for deploying renewable energy projects. She called for permitting reform and updating outdated environmental regulations to ensure that emissions-reducing technologies can make a difference in the market.

In conclusion, Capito urged her colleagues to work together on bipartisan solutions and to support the research and evaluation of cutting-edge technologies for detecting and quantifying methane emissions from landfills. She emphasized the need for achievable regulations, targeted incentives, and permitting reform to address landfill methane emissions effectively.

The hearing witnessed a productive discussion among the panel of witnesses and members of the committee. It is clear that there is broad bipartisan agreement on the difficulties of monitoring and measuring methane emissions from landfills. The development of new technologies is underway to better detect and quantify emissions. Municipal landfills and local communities could benefit from additional support from the EPA to research and evaluate these cutting-edge technologies.

The issue of landfill methane emissions is one that requires a balanced approach that considers both environmental and economic factors. Achievable regulations and targeted incentives can help address this issue while promoting energy independence and reducing emissions. It is crucial for Congress to scrutinize proposed regulations and work towards permitting reform to ensure that emissions-reducing technologies can be implemented effectively in the market.