California Regulator Certifies LoCI Controls System at Yolo County Landfill Under Low Carbon Fuel Standard, Rating It the Most Carbon-Negative of Landfill Gas Projects

New LCFS pathway for landfill gas could generate revenue for landfill operators while cutting methane emissions 

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LoCI Controls announced today that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved a new pathway for the Yolo County Central Landfill (YCCL), qualifying it for credits under the state's Low Carbon Fuel Standard Tier 2. In 2023, YCC installed a LoCI Controls automated real-time data and control system to increase methane capture and reduce emissions, the first of its kind in California. Now CARB has given YCCL a provisional carbon intensity (CI) score of –101 gCO₂e/MJ, making it the most carbon-negative landfill gas project to date.

That score marks a major milestone for landfills, which account for around 20% of California's methane emissions. Typically, landfill electricity projects report positive CI values of 40-50 gCO₂e/MJ. LoCI Control's negative CI score means the project removes more greenhouse gases than it emits.

Because LCFS credits grow more valuable as CI scores become more negative, this new pathway turns landfill electricity from a marginal compliance option into a profitable clean fuel, with the potential to scale across nearly one in three landfills statewide.

"We're honored that CARB has recognized our work with this approval," said Peter Quigley, CEO of LoCI Controls. "It's proof that being a sustainable landfill doesn't mean sacrificing revenue; it means creating it. Operators and developers now have a true win-win with stronger project economics and measurable environmental benefits."

Additional methane capture YCCL demonstrated from automated controls data was confirmed by CARB staff with a peer-reviewed public methodology. CARB certification of YCCL under LCFS was validated by independent verifier TÜV SÜD America.

YCCL qualifying for LCFS reinforces a growing body of research showing that landfill methane capture is a powerful and cost-effective way to cut methane emissions. The independent NGO Energy Vision's report "Leading with Landfills" found advanced landfill tech controls could cut 49% of U.S. MSW landfill methane emissions.

"This milestone approval makes the business case for adopting advanced landfill tech even more compelling," said Matt Tomich, President of Energy Vision. "With the right technology, landfills can become one of the lowest-cost, highest-impact strategies in mitigating methane emissions and advancing a low-carbon future."

About LoCI Controls 
LoCI Controls, Inc. is the leading provider of real-time data and control systems which provide actionable insights to increase gas capture and cut methane emissions from landfills. Founded in 2012 by MIT graduate students, the company combines on-site measurement and cloud-based software to optimize landfill gas collection. LoCI has the longest and most successful track record in the sector, with over 4,000 measurement locations nationwide across 25 U.S. states. LoCI's system and technology is covered by over 55 issued U.S. and international patents, with additional U.S. and international patents pending. For more information, visit locicontrols.com. 

SOURCE LoCI Controls, Inc.