Landfill Emissions Reduction Grant

The Landfill Emissions Reduction Grant program is administered by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality as part of the broader Climate Equity and Resilience Through Action initiative. This initiative is funded through a substantial federal award intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors in Oregon through 2050. The grant specifically targets methane emissions from landfills, which are a significant contributor to greenhouse gases. The program aligns with statewide climate directives that aim to reduce emissions to at least 45 percent below 1990 levels by 2035. By supporting landfill methane mitigation technologies, the program contributes to both environmental protection and long term sustainability goals. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund projects that reduce methane emissions at landfill sites throughout Oregon. Eligible projects include improvements to gas collection systems, installation of new methane control technologies, enhanced oxidation layers, and operational changes that reduce methane generation. Projects must demonstrate measurable greenhouse gas reductions using federally approved methodologies, particularly those outlined in 40 CFR Part 98. Applicants are required to model emissions reductions through 2050 both with and without the proposed intervention, ensuring that the impact of the project is quantifiable and verifiable. Funding for the program totals approximately 6.3 million dollars, with individual landfill sites eligible to receive up to about 3.1 million dollars in total funding across one or multiple projects. Awards are distributed on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must incur eligible costs before receiving payment. Allowable costs include construction, equipment installation, engineering, monitoring, and associated professional services, as well as indirect costs up to 15 percent. There is no explicit cost share requirement stated, but all expenditures must comply with federal regulations and demonstrate cost effectiveness. Eligibility for the program is limited to entities that own or operate landfills within the state of Oregon. These entities may include private companies, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, and public agencies such as city or county governments. Contractors and service providers cannot apply independently but may participate as partners. Projects must meet either Type 1 or Type 2 eligibility criteria, which require that emissions reductions exceed regulatory requirements or apply to smaller landfill facilities meeting specific conditions. Applicants must submit regulatory attestations and supporting documentation to confirm compliance with these eligibility standards. The application process requires submission through the DEQ Webgrants system. Applicants must prepare a comprehensive proposal that includes a project description, technical modeling of emissions reductions, a detailed budget, and supporting documentation such as engineering plans and regulatory analyses. Additional required components include organizational information, certifications of compliance with federal requirements such as Build America Buy America and Davis Bacon regulations, and a commitment to submit a Sampling and Analysis Plan after award. An optional pre closing technical review allows applicants to receive feedback prior to final submission. The application timeline begins with the opening of submissions on September 15, 2025. An optional technical review deadline occurs prior to the final submission deadline, which is set for late February 2026. Awards are expected to be announced around mid 2026, with project implementation beginning after agreement execution and continuing through approximately mid 2029. Applicants must also adhere to reporting requirements throughout the project period, including regular greenhouse gas emissions reporting and programmatic updates. Proposals are evaluated based on a structured scoring system that emphasizes cost effectiveness of emissions reductions, quality of the project workplan, budget clarity, and innovation. Projects that demonstrate higher methane reduction per dollar spent receive the most competitive scores. Additional points are awarded for projects that exceed regulatory requirements under Type 1 classification. The program prioritizes impactful, well planned, and technically sound projects that can deliver measurable environmental benefits across Oregon.

Prioritize strong emissions reduction modeling and cost effectiveness; ensure regulatory compliance is clearly demonstrated; provide detailed and verifiable data inputs; align budget closely with project scope