Methodology

How we work

CarbonCandor publishes analysis rooted in public data, transparent methodology, and editorial independence. This page explains how we source information, validate claims, and maintain that independence.

Editorial principles

Independence

CarbonCandor has no corporate sponsors, no trade association affiliations, and no consulting revenue. We do not generate leads. We do not sell services. The publication is funded independently, and editorial decisions are made without external influence.

Transparency

Every data point we publish is sourced from publicly available data. When we make calculations or projections, we show the methodology. When we make assumptions, we state them explicitly. Readers should be able to reproduce our analysis.

Accuracy Over Speed

We would rather publish less frequently with verified data than more frequently with estimates. When data is uncertain, we say so. When ranges are wide, we present the full range rather than picking a midpoint that suggests false precision.

Outcome-Focused

Our measure of success for any methane policy is atmospheric outcomes: tons of CO2e destroyed per dollar spent, per year of delay, per unit of policy complexity. We do not evaluate policies by revenue generated, jobs created, or credits traded.

Data sources

All analysis published by CarbonCandor draws from publicly available data sources. We do not use proprietary datasets, industry-provided figures, or unpublished research.

Emissions Data

EPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP)
EPA Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Global Methane Tracker (IEA)
State-level emissions inventories (CARB, TCEQ, PADEP)

Policy & Economics

LCFS credit price data (CARB quarterly reports)
RIN price data (EPA EMTS, OPIS)
45Z/45Q regulatory guidance (IRS, Treasury)
State renewable energy program filings

Technical Performance

EPA AP-42 emission factors for enclosed flares
NSPS Subpart OOOOa compliance data
Published methane slip studies (peer-reviewed)
RNG facility performance reports (public filings)

Industry Data

RNG Coalition project database
EPA AgSTAR livestock operation database
USDA NASS Census of Agriculture
State environmental agency permit databases

Key assumptions

80x

Methane global warming potential over 20-year horizon (GWP20), per IPCC AR6. We use 20-year rather than 100-year GWP because methane action is urgent and near-term.

98%+

Enclosed flare destruction efficiency, per EPA AP-42 Chapter 2.4. Verified by continuous monitoring at permitted facilities.

5-15%

Methane slip range across the RNG value chain. Based on published measurements of biogas upgrading, compression, and pipeline transport losses.

17,500

Estimated U.S. methane sources without capture plans. Derived from EPA AgSTAR database, USDA Census of Agriculture, and state environmental agency records. Includes dairy, swine, wastewater, and legacy landfill sites below RNG economic thresholds.

Questions about our methodology or data sources? Reach out at methodology@carboncandor.com. We welcome scrutiny.