EPA Ends Greenhouse Gas Data – Who Will Monitor?
- With the EPA scaling back its direct collection of greenhouse gas emissions data, state and local governments are stepping up to track pollution, set reduction goals, and measure...
- The EPA announced in September 2024 that it would discontinue its direct reporting requirement for greenhouse gas emissions from certain polluting companies as reported by the New York...
- For the past 15 years, the EPA has collected data on carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases from large emission sources.
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Bridging teh Emissions Data Gap: A Guide for State and Local Policymakers
Table of Contents
With the EPA scaling back its direct collection of greenhouse gas emissions data, state and local governments are stepping up to track pollution, set reduction goals, and measure progress. This guide provides resources and strategies for navigating this evolving landscape.
Last updated: October 1, 2024, 09:57:27 AM PDT
The EPA’s Shift and the Resulting Data Gap
The EPA announced in September 2024 that it would discontinue its direct reporting requirement for greenhouse gas emissions from certain polluting companies as reported by the New York times. This decision eliminates a key component of the US system for tracking emissions and formulating climate policy. The change stems from a 2024 court ruling that limited the EPA’s authority to require broad emissions reporting according to Reuters.
For the past 15 years, the EPA has collected data on carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases from large emission sources. This data, combined with information reported by states as mandated by the Clean Air Act (42 U.S. Code § 7619), provided a complete national picture of emissions.
Joseph Goffman, former assistant administrator at the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, expressed concern about fully replacing the EPA’s system, stating, “I don’t think this system can be fully replaced…it’s going to take time.”
State and Local Roles in Emissions Tracking
The Clean Air Act already places a significant obligation on states to collect and report data on local pollution levels. This includes criteria pollutants like ozone and particulate matter, as well as greenhouse gases. Though, the EPA’s data collection efforts supplemented state-level reporting, providing a standardized and nationally consistent dataset.
Now, states and local governments must enhance their own data collection and analysis capabilities. This includes:
- Expanding Monitoring Networks: Investing in more comprehensive monitoring systems to track emissions from various sources.
- Improving Data Management: Developing robust data management systems to store, analyze, and share emissions data.
- Strengthening Reporting Requirements: Implementing stricter reporting requirements for local emitters.
- Investing in Data Science Expertise: Hiring or contracting data scientists to analyze emissions data and identify trends.
Setting Emissions-Reduction Goals
Accurate emissions data is essential for setting realistic and effective emissions-reduction goals. without a clear understanding of current emissions levels, it’s arduous