California launches methane reduction pilot program
The State of California will fund six pilot projects in the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys to collect biomethane from animal manure and other organic waste and use it for fuel.
The pilot program is spearheaded by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). It involves collecting biomethane from organic waste products — such as animal manure — to eliminate methane emissions from the atmosphere.
The effort is part of the state’s strategy to reduce emissions of climate pollutants, including methane, which is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. The state has a goal of reducing methane emissions from dairy and other livestock sectors by 40 percent by 2030. Methane from manure accounts for about 2.5 percent of the state’s overall methane emissions.
The pilot program will occur at several locations, including South Tulare, North Visalia, Buttonwillow, Merced, Lakeside, and Weststeyn. The six projects will receive approximately $319 million in infrastructure investments over the next 20 years.
“The pilots chosen will provide us with valuable information about the interconnection process and hopefully facilitate other biomethane projects,” CPUC Commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen said.
The methane waste that is collected will be used as a renewable transportation fuel.
