Landfills leak methane with impunity, new research shows

Any climate action plan aiming to combat global warming must prioritize addressing methane emissions due to its potent greenhouse gas effects. The Environmental Protection Agency now requires monitoring and immediate repair of leaks by oil and gas drillers. Unfortunately, these regulations do not apply to landfills, which are significant sources of methane emissions in the U.S. Landfills generate a fifth of the country’s methane emissions and fail to install gas-capture systems as required. Furthermore, recent findings by Carbon Mapper show that emissions from landfills are even higher than previously estimated. With over 2,600 landfills across the nation, leaks release vast amounts of carbon dioxide equivalent to operating 74 coal plants annually. Though new federal regulations on landfills are lacking, advocates from groups like Industrious Labs are pushing for reform. Their research reveals alarming methane levels that surpass EPA limits across multiple states, underscoring the urgent need for better monitoring and action. Residents near landfills often endure foul odors, contamination, and explosive risks, highlighting the need for more robust regulatory oversight and technological solutions such as aerial monitoring via drones and satellites. By addressing methane emissions from landfills, the Biden administration can make significant strides in reducing greenhouse gases and improving living conditions for communities countrywide.