Update: The Greenhouse Gas Crediting and Tracking System is open! Gas distribution utilities and recovered methane project owners and operators may now register in the system, apply for credits, and trade or retire credits for clean heat compliance purposes. Access the Recovered Methane Branch of this system through the Greenhouse Gas Crediting and Tracking System web page.
Overview
To address climate change and meet the requirements of Senate Bill 21-264, the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) adopted protocols for use in demonstrating greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions from eligible types of recovered methane that may be included in public and municipal gas utilities’ Clean Heat Plans, as well as a crediting and tracking system for GHG reductions from recovered methane projects. Recovered methane is methane from certain sources that would have gone to the atmosphere and contributed to climate change if it was not recovered and put to use. Eligible types of recovered methane are defined in Senate Bill 21-264 and the AQCC’s recovered methane rule, which was adopted in November 2022 and became effective on January 14, 2023.
The AQCC adopted changes to the recovered methane rule in July 2024. These changes are generally minor and will not affect how the environment or Colorado communities are impacted by climate change. More information is available: Changes to Regulation No. 22, Part C, Recovered Methane. The recovered methane rule adopted by the AQCC under Regulation No. 22, Part C, is available online.
Recovered Methane Protocols
The Air Quality Control Commission’s recovered methane rule includes protocols for recovered methane from livestock manure management systems, municipal solid waste or landfills, wastewater treatment, coal mines, and gas utility system leaks. Details on each protocol can be found in the recovered methane rule fact sheet.
Recovered Methane Credit Trading
Access the recovered methane branch of this system and associated resources through the Greenhouse Gas Crediting and Tracking System web page. For more information on credit trading in Colorado, visit the Greenhouse gas credit trading in Colorado web page.
The following search criteria is available:
- To find the unique identification number of a registered entity, select “CDPHERM Environmental ID Form Query” in the dropdown.
- To view additional information on registered entities, select “CDPHECATS AIR GHG Credit Trading Entity Search” in the dropdown.
- Type the company name into the appropriate search field to see information on a specific company. Type an asterisk into the company name search field to see all entries.
Air Quality Control Commission Recovered Methane Rulemaking hearing documents
The agenda, presentations, and other materials from the recovered methane rulemaking hearing are available online.
Recovered Methane stakeholder meetings
Three public listening sessions were held prior to the rulemaking to gather input on the rule concepts.
Recording | Presentation slides
Recovered Methane Protocols technical work group
To help meet the requirement to develop recovered methane protocols, the division convened a technical work group for a series of 10 meetings prior to the rule proposal before the Air Quality Control Commission.
Recovered Methane technical work group materials.
Contact us
Questions? Email climatechange@state.co.us with "Recovered Methane" in the subject line.
Stay in touch: Sign-up for email updates from the Air Pollution Control Division.