I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to urge your support for SB 726, a critical bill aimed at modernizing methane detection and repair at Oregon landfills.

Methane leaks pose significant risks to public health and the environment, making it essential to adopt advanced technologies for detection and repair. By passing SB 726, we can significantly improve our ability to identify and fix these leaks, reduce harmful emissions, and harness methane for renewable energy production.

Landfills are the third largest source of human-related methane emissions in the U.S., with Oregon alone reporting approximately 2 million metric tons of methane emissions in 2022. This bill not only addresses environmental concerns but also prioritizes the health of nearby communities (Adair Village, Medford, Hillsboro, Prineville, Roseburg) affected by hazardous air pollutants.

Many landfill operators and state agencies already use these cost effective technologies. Examples include: Orange County Landfill using drone technology, EPA required Kansas operators to use drones as part of an enforcement action, Sunshine Canyon Enforcement Agency deployed remote sensing to find and reduce emissions at Sunshine Canyon Landfill leading to a drop in residential odor complaints, and Pennsylvania Dept of Environmental Protection achieved a 37% reduction in landfill methane emissions with remote sensing technology. California and Colorado are already implementing similar legislation.

Your support for SB 726 is vital in protecting public health and combating climate change. Thank you for considering this important measure.