CALIFORNIA – The California Air Resource Board (CARB) is expected to discuss changes to existing regulations on methane production and capture at dairy farms in the state next month, with some significant impacts to the local economy in Tulare County.
Current state law sets requirements for air pollution production for dozens of industries. However, dairy producers are largely excluded from the rules. Staff working for CARB were directed to examine possible changes to the regulations that could either close the loophole in the law or keep things the way they are for decades to come.
“We were given a task in SB (Senate Bill) 1383 to take a deeper look at whether or not it’s necessary to do something different in order to reach our methane targets,” CARB Chair Liane Randolph said at a September meeting.
California’s Low-Carbon Fuel Standard requires that certain polluters purchase credits to offset the pollution they create. The money is used to provide funding for the state’s transition to clean energy; however, dairies are exempt.
Instead, dairies that operate methane harvester technology are able to sell Recycled Natural Gas (RNG) collected from manure lagoons. In some instances, the proceeds from the sale of methane could be more profitable than selling milk products.
Dairies are also able to generate credits as the RNG is considered a carbon-negative fuel. This allows for dairies, particularly large dairies, to generate significant income. Many advocates for clean energy solutions believe that dairies should not be allowed to continue exploiting the current loophole; however, early indications from staff point to preserving the ability for dairies to avoid stringent restrictions.
“This is another example of a rogue staff that has an agenda,” Tyler Lobdell, a staff attorney for the nonprofit Food & Water Watch, told Canary Media. “That agenda is to appease the financial interests in big ag and these factory farm gas developers at all costs — including by ignoring direction from their own board.”
Two massive dairy digester projects are currently operational in Tulare County. One, known as the North Visalia Cluster. The digester collects methane produced from the manure of 12 area dairies. Another project is the South Tulare cluster which collects methane from 30 dairies. A third project is expected to be online by the end of 2024.
The board of CARB will meet Nov. 7 and 8 to determine what – if any – changes will be made to existing regulations as they relate to digesters and credits.
