PROGRAM TITLE: Anthropogenic Methane/RITG Emissions Research ACTIVITY STREAMS: Processes, Observations/Data Mgmt. SCIENCE ELEMENT:Biogeochemical Dynamics BUDGET LINE ITEM: EPA, ORD, Stratospheric Modification, Global Climate U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SCIENTIFIC MERIT: This program addresses the priority scientific question what are the current and projected future anthropogenic and biogenic emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases (GHG), and precursors being released to the atmosphere. The EPA research involves the development of global GHG emissions estimates (with emphasis on methane) for major sources such as landfills and other waste management facilities, cookstoves, coal mines, and natural gas production/distribution. The research is providing improvements in activity data and emission factors. It also includes the design of software systems for storing GHG databases. This research contributes to determining which physical, biological, geological, and chemical processes are involved in global change by contributing to the quantification and understanding of the processes involved in anthropogenic emissions. This research is part of the foundation for understanding (1) the processes involved in generating emissions of RITGs, (2) the degree to which human activities influence them and (3) the steps that could be taken to mitigate their impacts. It will contribute to both global and regional scale issues. This program was recently peer reviewed by EPA's Science Advisory Board (May 1993) which found it to be scientifically sound while providing significant contributions to global climate change research despite limited financial resources. STAKEHOLDERS: Linkages are currently in place (or under negotiation) between EPA researchers and national/international scientific programs through mechanisms such as IAGs and cooperative agreements. These groups include International Energy Agency, Gas Research Institute, Solid Waste Association of North America, International Solid Waste Association, ORNL, DOE, OECD/IPCC, and various universities (Princeton, N.C. State, etc.) POLICY RELEVANCE: Contributes to the 1995 and subsequent IPCC Assessments as well as the following major milestones in the U.S. GCRP: OBSERVING SYSTEMS AND DATA MANAGEMENT; Global Systems 1996- 2000 Milestone: Inventory of greenhouse gas emissions from developing countries completed; PROCESS STUDIES; Greenhouse Gases Terrestrial Sources/Sinks: Human Influenced and Natural 1991-1995 Milestones: Regional fluxes of CH4 from biogenic and anthropogenic sources estimated; 1996-2000 Milestone: Methane, N2O, VOC, CO, and NOx from anthropogenic sources identified and quantified. PROGRAM CONTACT:Michael A. Maxwell, EPA/AEERL (MD-63), RTP, NC 27711, 919/541-3091.