From CARB to Dairy Plus: The Environmental Issues Shaping Your Operation

From CARB to Dairy Plus: The Environmental Issues Shaping Your Operation

From Seen & Herd by WUD

May 11, 2026 · 24 min

About this episode

Amanda discusses environmental issues affecting dairy operations with Paul Sousa from WUD.

Amanda sits down with Paul Sousa, WUD's Director of Environmental Services and Regulatory Affairs, to review the environmental presentation delivered at the recent Board of Directors meeting. California Air Resources Board (CARB) & Dairy Methane CARB is now actively developing dairy-specific methane regulations. Rule development begins in 2025, with regulations coming to the board by 2028 and implementation targeted around 2030. CARB is currently seeking stakeholder input on emissions measurement, mitigation strategies, and regulatory structure. The comment deadline has been extended to May 29th . WUD is preparing comments and encourages member input. SB 1383: Passed in 2016, SB 1383 requires dairies to reduce manure methane emissions 40% from a 2013 baseline by 2030. According to Paul, California dairies have already met that target. External Pressure: A recent Stanford Law School paper critiqued water quality regulation implementation for dairies statewide. Paul's take: largely recycled findings, low media traction. The message for producers isn't panic. It's making sure your operation stays in compliance. Water Quality Updates North Coast: WUD submitted a draft groundwater…

People in this episode

Host: Amanda

Guest: Paul Sousa

Topics covered

  • environmental regulations
  • dairy methane
  • water quality
  • stakeholder input
  • emissions measurement

Keywords

  • CARB
  • dairy regulations
  • methane emissions
  • SB 1383
  • water quality regulation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: California Air Resources Board, WUD, Stanford Law School, CV Salts

Places: California

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