New York's municipal solid waste landfills are a huge source of climate and health pollution, spewing methane and other toxins like benzene and VOCs into the air. And landfills aren't in the middle of nowhere — they're near residential neighborhoods, parks, and schools. In fact, 1 in 3 New Yorkers has a landfill within five miles of their community, facing increased exposure to toxic pollution. 

One major driver of landfill pollution is weak, outdated regulations for how landfill operators find, capture, and control air emissions. The New York Department of Environmemental Conservation is currently considering changes to those regulations, but they need to hear from you. New York should be leading the nation with bold, comprehensive standards, not lagging behind. 

Remember: customized messages make a much bigger impact. Consider including a personal anecdote about how landfill pollution impacts you and why stronger standards are important to your family and community.  For example: 

• Have you experienced health impacts from your local landfill? 

• Are you concerned about how your state manages waste? 

• Are you concerned about the impacts of climate change on your community?