“However, the type of satellite in this project will not see all methane emitted, and will only be able to detect large, localized leaks from individual “point” sources. Methane emissions and climate change present global challenges, but an additional goal of this project is to raise general awareness of methane emissions globally to spur local action outside of our state and for California to work with other jurisdictions and partners who wish to develop methane mitigation programs to address methane emissions,” CARB said.

“This satellite data project to monitor methane is a unique state effort that will help us better identify sources of pollution Californians are already seeing and feeling the intensifying impacts from firsthand,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “The effort provides information that is much closer to real time than the data now available. It allows us to directly address one of the major contributors to what has become an immediate threat to public health and the environment. It also provides an opportunity for California to work with other jurisdictions which want to develop their own, similar satellite methane monitoring and reduction programs.”