PECO Energy has joined forces with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in reducing pollution. The company has volunteered to participate in a program to reduce methane gas, a potent contributor to global warming. John Madera, senior vice president at PECO, and Michael McCabe, EPA regional administrator, will sign a memorandum of understanding recognizing PECO's environmental commitment. Through its Landfill Methane Outreach Program, EPA encourages owners of landfills to work with electric utilities in reducing landfill gas.
Gas is produced in landfills as waste decays.
Methane gas, which accounts for about 50 percent of all landfill gas, can be used as a source of fuel. Methane gas is also environmentally harmful. It is highly effective in trapping heat in the earth's atmosphere, adding to global warming. Scientists warn that without policies to limit emissions of greenhouse gases such as methane gas, the Earth's climate will change. Global warming is likely to cause dramatic effects, including adverse impacts on human health.