Tons of planet-warming gases are bubbling up from reservoirs. California is going to keep track

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Set us as preferred California air regulators will start tracking estimates of the gases that bubble up from the state’s artificial reservoirs and contribute to climate change.The California Air Resources Board says it will begin reporting how much of the planet-warming gases methane and carbon dioxide are released from dams and reservoirs.The Air Resources Board adopted the new policy last week in response to a petition by environmental groups.It turned down the groups’ request that it require reports on emissions from managers of dams and reservoirs but said it will start collecting estimated data using methods recommended by the U.N.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.Steven Cliff, CARB’s executive officer, said in a 29-page response to the environmental groups that the agency is committed to “further study of emissions from dams and reservoirs.”He noted that research shows reservoirs, when first constructed and filled, release some carbon dioxide as plants decompose underwater.But the gas that’s released in larger quantities is methane, which forms underwater as plants and algae break down and then bubbles to the surface.Researchers have estimated that the waters held behind the world’s dams emit between 10 million and 22 million metric tons of methane per year — roughly equivalent to 3% to 7% of all the methane from human activities.

Climate & Environment How much planet-warming methane is coming from water reservoirs? Environmental groups want California to track emissions.Cliff said in an email that the air board “recognizes the importance of evaluating climate emissions from major sources and investing in advancements in scientific understanding — particularly at a time when the federal government has turned its back on basic public health protections.”Last year, the Trump administrat...