Concerns over the health and safety of children living near the Coffin Butte Landfill took center stage at the Oregon Legislature's House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment meeting on May 1, 2025. Advocates urged lawmakers to support Senate Bill 726, which aims to hold municipal landfills accountable for their operations and implement stricter methane monitoring.

Residents from Adair Village, located just south of the landfill, voiced their fears about the potential health risks posed by air pollution. One speaker highlighted the growing community, noting that hundreds of families and children are now living in close proximity to the landfill. She emphasized that children often play outside and walk to school, exposing them to unknown toxins in the air. "Air pollution causes both immediate and long-term health effects in children that can be irreversible," she warned, referencing studies that show how pollutants can affect developing lungs and brains.

The speaker recounted her personal experiences with "dump days," when the odor from the landfill becomes particularly strong, affecting the quality of life for residents. She called for comprehensive monitoring of methane emissions, which could serve as an indicator of other harmful volatile organic compounds present in the area. "If your house had a water leak, you would do everything you could to stop it before it caused damage," she stated, urging the committee to take action before the health of children and families is compromised.

Adding to the urgency, 11-year-old Marcus Harrison, a resident of Adair Village, shared his perspective on the issue. He described how the landfill's odors impact his daily life, including outdoor playtime at school. "My mom will not let us play outside if it is stinky," he said, highlighting the challenges children face when outdoor activities are necessary. Harrison echoed calls for advanced technology to monitor methane leaks, emphasizing the need for safer landfill practices to protect the health of local residents.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing concern for environmental health and the well-being of communities near landfills. As the legislative process continues, advocates hope that SB 726 will lead to more responsible landfill operations and improved air quality for families in Oregon.