What types of projects qualify?
Eligible Project Examples that meet the Type 1 or Type 2 requirements may include, but are not limited to:
- fine-tuning of existing gas collection systems;
- gas collection and control at landfills in cases where it is not otherwise required, or the expansion of an existing GCCS system to one or more uncontrolled areas at the site;
- enhanced oxidation layers (bio cover);
- enhanced automation of gas control systems;
- diversion of more landfill gas to a gas-to-energy facility; or
- operational or design modifications at the landfill that minimize the creation of methane in the landfill:
- Waste diversion activities are not eligible because these activities are upstream of landfill methane generation.
What are the data requirements for proposals?
Proposal data requirements include:
- Modeled projection of GHG emissions through 2050 without intervention (Landfill Emission Reduction Grant funding).
- Modeled projection of GHG emissions reductions through 2050 with proposed intervention. Calculations for greenhouse gas emissions reductions are based on avoided methane emissions due to the Project.
- All modeling must be performed using calculation methods contained in 40 CFR Part 98 Greenhouse Gas Reporting Methodology (See Resources 7.1). Proposer must “show its work” including all relevant data inputs and modeling parameters, in sufficient detail to allow DEQ to independently check modeling results.
- Proposers may supplement modeled projection of GHG emissions reductions with proposed intervention with alternative calculation methods if the calculations in 40 CFR Part 98 do not account for the proposed reduction methodology; and must include sufficient documentation to justify the methods used. The Proposer must submit this alternative in addition to the 40 CFR 98 methodology and include a detailed justification of how the alternative calculation methodology is more appropriate for the project proposal.
- Description of how Project emissions reductions will be measured. Due to the wide range of eligible mitigation technology, DEQ is not providing a specific model to use for measuring emissions reductions. The Proposer must submit the following:
- Description of the emissions reduction estimation method, including all applicable measurements, monitoring, sampling, and analysis.
- Detailed information on how the reduction projections are prepared.
Who is eligible to submit a proposal?
All Proposers must be eligible entities that own or operate the landfill where the methane mitigation technology or equipment will be installed. The site in which the project will take place may be anywhere within the state of Oregon. Eligible entities include:
- Private entities
- Tribal Nations
- Non-Profit 501(c)(3) and (c)(4) status, including fiscally sponsored organizations
- Public entities including:
- Local governments
- City governments
- County governments
- Organizations created through intergovernmental agreements
Technology, service, utility, engineering, construction, or contractor companies who do not own or operate the landfill are ineligible to apply directly. These entities may partner with proposers to support their responses and may be identified in the proposal as a co-proposer (but not the primary proposer).
When is the application period and what are the other key dates?
- Grant application opening date: Sept. 15, 2025
- Optional pre-closing technical review deadline: Dec. 15, 2025
- Grant application closing date: Feb. 27, 2026
- Anticipated notice of intent to award: April 2026
- Anticipated subaward agreement execution: Sept. 2026
- Project end date: May 30, 2029
- Closeout of award (final invoicing and reporting): July 15, 2029
Will awards be paid in full or through a reimbursement?
As the sub awardee of a federal grant, awards will be distributed via a reimbursement process, the details of which will be outlined in the grant award agreement. Eligible expenses can begin on the day that the subaward agreement is executed (signed).
What project expenses are eligible for reimbursement?
Eligible costs include costs that directly support project implementation, including:
- Construction, procurement, and installation of equipment or materials
- Final engineering, construction verification, and reporting
- Personnel time directly attributable to the project
- Monitoring and verification activities
- Fees for required permits, permit modifications, or solid waste engineering design reports, plans and specifications
- Necessary professional services
- Indirect costs up to a maximum of 15% of total project costs, in line with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E, unless Proposer has a federally negotiated indirect rate.
Can a single landfill apply for multiple projects?
Yes. In fact, DEQ will require multiple applications in such a case. For example, if a landfill owner wanted to install vertical wells in a closed cell, install wellfield optimization systems at an existing wellfield, and install a biocover (oxidation layer) in a third area of the landfill, each of these would require a separate application.
This approach will allow DEQ to ensure that statewide funds are used to accomplish the greatest possible reduction in GHG emissions.
What is the application scoring criteria?
Scoring matrix proposal minimum qualifications and eligibility requirements (pass/fail):
Documentation satisfies the minimum qualification and eligibility requirements as outlined in the RFGP.
100 point maximum.
- Project Workplan, Timeline, and Scope (25 points possible): The project workplan, timeline, and scope are clearly articulated, feasible, and comprehensive.
- Budget (10 points possible): Line-item budget aligns with the proposal narrative and requirements and provides clear descriptions of all expenditures.
- Innovation (5 points possible): Creative approaches or technologies that have demonstrated potential to enhance methane mitigation efforts at other landfills are implemented in the proposed project.
- Cost Effective GHG Reduction (60 points possible): An assessment of cost-effectiveness defined as GHG emissions reduction from the date of anticipated award (July 2026) through Dec. 31, 2049, divided by Landfill Emission Reduction Grant funds requested (MT CO2e per dollar). The qualifying proposal with the highest cost-effectiveness will receive 60 points, while other proposals will receive fewer than 60 points, in proportion to their cost-effectiveness relative the most cost-effective proposal.
- Type 1 Project Bonus: (+5): Project proposals that successfully demonstrate their qualification as a Type 1 project will receive 5 bonus points.
What are the DEQ Permitting Implications?
If awarded, the Proposer may be responsible for submitting the following documentation, depending on the Project’s complexity: applicable permit applications and permit modifications; a design report (or design basis memorandum for less complex projects) including final engineering rationale, calculations and analysis; final design plans and specifications or design plan modifications; a construction quality assurance plan and a final construction report to their respective DEQ Air Quality or Solid Waste Project Managers/Permit Writers prior to the implementation phase of the Project. Permitting and design plan costs directly related to the project are eligible project costs under this program.
What administrative requirements apply to these grants?
As a subrecipient of a federal grant, all federal requirements and regulations flow down to Landfill Emission Reduction Grant recipients. Further details will be outlined in the RFGP.
Are Landfill Emission Reduction Grant recipients subject to Build America, Buy America compliance?
Yes. The Landfill Emissions Reductions funding was awarded to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality through the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program. Therefore, subwardees are subject to BABA compliance. Please refer to the
EPA’s Frequently asked Questions document for CPRG funding recipients. Further details will be outlined in the RFGP.
Are Landfill Emission Reduction Grant recipients subject to Davis Bacon and Related Acts compliance?
Yes. The Landfill Emissions Reductions funding was awarded to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality through the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program. Therefore, subawardees are subject to DBRA compliance. Please refer to the