Methane Mitigation Across America: State Legislature and Local Efforts
As the climate crisis intensifies, the U.S. government is taking decisive action to address methane, with the EPA finalizing groundbreaking standards in late 2023 that aim to slash emissions from the oil and gas sector by nearly 80% and increase funding to efforts to reduce agriculture related emissions. However, states are stepping up with their own climate plans of action to address the issues on a more local level. The urgency to tackle these emissions is driven not only by their significant climate impact but also by the broader health implications of air pollution, which in severe cases can lead to respiratory-related deaths, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive air quality management. While enteric methane from livestock, particularly cattle, contributes to atmospheric methane levels, it's part of the biogenic carbon cycle, differing crucially from fossil fuel methane that introduces new carbon into the atmosphere.
This distinction opens up innovative possibilities: by harnessing the methane cattle produce, we could potentially transform these animals from emission sources into carbon sinks, paving the way for sustainable livestock management and highlighting agriculture's complex role in both climate challenges and solutions. SeaGraze® offers a practical solution for states aiming to meet new methane reduction targets. By incorporating this red seaweed feed additive into cattle diets, farmers can significantly cut enteric methane emissions, contributing to climate goals without compromising livestock productivity.
Let's explore how different states are addressing this challenge, examining both official legislation and local initiatives.
🌴 California, true to its reputation as an environmental leader, has set the pace with its ambitious Senate Bill 1383. This groundbreaking legislation aims to slash methane emissions by 40% below 2013 levels by 2030, with specific targets for the dairy sector. You can read about the state’s current progress towards reaching dairy and livestock goals here. From funding research into innovative feed additives to supporting the development of anaerobic digesters and promoting alternative manure management practices, California is showing what comprehensive action on agricultural methane can look like. In a significant move to further this agenda, the state launched the 2023 Livestock Enteric Methane Emission Reduction Research Program (LEMER-RP). This initiative, backed by a $10 million budget allocation, is funding demonstration trials evaluating feed additives and dietary modifications to reduce enteric methane emissions in dairy and livestock sectors.
🗽 New York has incorporated agricultural emissions into its broader climate strategy. The Empire State's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act sets a bold target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050. New York's approach demonstrates how agricultural emissions can be addressed as part of a holistic climate action plan, investing in climate-smart farming practices and methane-reducing technologies.
🌲 Washington has taken a broad approach to greenhouse gas reduction with its Clean Air Rule, adopted in 2016, which caps and reduces emissions from significant in-state sources, aiming to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050. The state tracks all emissions, including those from agricultural sources such as manure management, fertilizer use, and enteric fermentation, which account for 6.1% of total state emissions. To promote transparency and identify key areas for reduction, Washington maintains a public map of emissions from large facilities and even has a dedicated state page for greenhouse gas reduction strategies.
🏔 Colorado, traditionally known for its regulations on methane emissions from oil and gas operations, is now turning its attention to the agricultural sector with the release of their Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap 2.0. While specific legislation targeting enteric methane is yet to be introduced, the Centennial State is laying the groundwork by working with Colorado State University, industry partners, farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders to identify solutions.
🌺 Hawai’i recently released their Priority Climate Action Plan with the inspiring subtitle, “ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ‘ia” or “No task is too big when done together.” Their GreenHouse Accounting shows significantly less emissions from enteric fermentation and manure compared to 30 years ago, however, this is most likely due to there currently being a lack of operating dairies on the islands (Hawai’i livestock inventory over the last 30 years).
🍁 Vermont explicitly outlines enteric fermentation and emissions throughout its initial Climate Action Plan. The primary suggestion in addressing enteric emissions is improving feed quality, which should be an operation's first step in their decarbonization journey. This foundational approach can be complemented by exploring innovative feed additives, including seaweed! We appreciate the shoutout, Vermont!
🍫 Pennsylvania acknowledges enteric emissions within their Climate Action Plan under the ‘Agriculture’ section but does not outline any solutions. Instead, their two main focuses for agriculture decarbonization are reducing tillage intensity and decreasing fuel and electric use.
🦀 Maryland’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan outlined that only 4% of the state’s emissions are derived from agricultural practices (after accounting for farm fuel and electric use in another category). The state hopes to increase funds to support farmers in improved manure management and “feeding techniques” that reduce enteric fermentation.
Despite the challenges in regulating enteric methane emissions, the trend is clear: state-level action on agricultural methane is gaining momentum. As we continue to grapple with the complexities of climate change, the strategies developed and lessons learned from these pioneering efforts will likely shape the future of agricultural climate policy across the nation. The evolving landscape of state-level methane legislation represents a new chapter in our fight against climate change, one where every state, as big as Alaska or as small as Rhode Island, has a role to play.
