California Air Regulators Unanimously Pass Improved Landfill Emissions Standards

Advocates commend progress, continue to push for increased transparency and accountability to impacted communities

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted unanimously to update the state’s Landfill Methane Rule (LMR) for the first time in more than 15 years. Key provisions include lower thresholds for when landfills are required to install gas collection systems, more stringent methane monitoring requirements, and requirements designed to lower the risk of landfill fires.  

The LMR sets standards for how landfill owners and operators capture and control the highly potent greenhouse gas methane. In 2023 alone, reported emissions from California’s municipal solid waste landfills were equal to those from more than 5 million passenger vehicles. Aerial surveys and scientific research indicate that actual emissions are likely much higher. 

Pollution from landfills also poses an urgent public health crisis. 19 million Californians — roughly half the state’s population — live within five miles of a landfill, facing increased exposure to benzene, hydrogen sulfide, and other pollutants associated with serious health conditions like asthma, heart disease, and cancer. 

Approximately 50 advocates and members of the public provided testimony at today’s CARB meeting, with many demanding transparent and publicly accessible emissions data, accountability for landfill operators, and additional protections for public health. Among them were residents impacted by the Chiquita Canyon Landfill in the Los Angeles area and the Avenal Landfill in central California, both of which continue to experience dangerous subsurface fires and noxious pollution.

Below are statements from advocates in reaction to today’s vote:

“The last time California’s landfill methane rule was updated, Instagram and the iPad were still novelties,” said Lee Helfend, Director of Campaign Strategy at Full Circle Future. “Technology and our understanding of landfill management best practices have changed dramatically since 2010, and we’re excited to see CARB recognize the need for regulations to change with the times. Action on landfill pollution is a clear win for climate and community health, and today’s vote is a meaningful step forward for California and the country. We hope to see other states rise to the occasion and follow suit.” 

“Today’s vote shows that California still leads on climate policy,” said Erica Parker, Policy Associate with Californians Against Waste. “When regulators pair modern monitoring with rapid response, communities are safer and methane, one of the planet’s most potent greenhouse gases, gets cut at the source. While there is much work to be done to limit the environmental impacts of landfills, this rule will set the national standard for preventing major emissions and protecting frontline neighborhoods.” 

“CARB’s action today is the most important step it has taken this year to protect public health,” said Bill Magavern, Policy Director at Coalition for Clean Air. “The updated and strengthened Landfill Methane Rule will have global impact – by reducing emissions of a climate super-pollutant – and also provide needed relief to communities near landfills. Finding and plugging leaks sooner is a common-sense step that will yield rewards for years to come.” 

“Today CARB took necessary action to address the dire need for improved monitoring needed to reduce methane emissions from landfills and to enable frontline communities to protect themselves from landfill emissions,” said Gavin Bruce, Project Manager at Valley Improvement Projects. “While not perfect, this LMR is an important step forward and long overdue!”

“California has committed to leading the world on climate action, but we cannot meet our climate targets, or protect our communities, without confronting one of the largest and most preventable sources of methane emissions in the state: our landfills,” said Baani Behniwal, Carbon Drawdown Director with The Climate Center. “Today’s vote is a key step forward. Because methane is a potent, yet short-lived climate pollutant, every ton of this GHG we can prevent from escaping into the atmosphere delivers near-term climate benefits, the kind of near-term action Californians need in the face of worsening heat waves, floods, fires, and beyond.”

“We applaud California for issuing these important new air pollution standards,” said Haley Lewis, a Senior Attorney with the Environmental Integrity Project. “Landfills are large methane emitters, and their odors and pollution can make them a nightmare for nearby communities. This is an important step forward in controlling climate and health-harming pollution from these facilities.”

”As a Policy Advocate with Greenaction for Health  and Environmental Justice and a proud resident of Avenal, I am grateful to have stood in solidarity with my neighbors as we raised our voices for the health and wellbeing of our community,” said Veronica Aguirre, Policy Advocate at Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice. “It was truly powerful to witness so many community members come forward- many of them speaking publicly for the very first time - and to see the pride and strength they carried as they left, knowing their voices were finally being heard. Our concerns are real, our love for our community is deep, and our collective presence shows that when we stand together, we can make a meaningful impact. I am honored to be part of this movement and inspired by the courage and leadership shown by everyone who stepped up to speak. Together, we are proving our voices are strong, united, and impossible to ignore.”

“We’re very grateful for this environmental justice news. Our families around the landfill and dump sites will finally be able to start breathing fresher air!” said Ricardo Pulido and Alex Marquez of Coalition for a Safe Environment (CFASE). "CFASE will continue to monitor and watch out for our family and friends whom are impacted via methane gases and pollution. The times are changing; we the community have spoken and fought hard for fair air for all.”