California launches first-in-nation satellite tech to curb methane leaks

California air quality regulators announced the launch of a first-in-nation satellite data project Friday, with the aim of monitoring and minimizing methane emissions.

The technology involves the use of satellite-mounted methane sensors that transmit data regarding the location of methane leaks that could otherwise go undetected, according to the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The project, funded by a $100 million state budget investment, serves to bolster collaboration between industry and state and local leaders, in order to curb emissions and protect public health, per the agency.

In advancing this new initiative, state officials touted the effort as critical climate action amid the Trump administration’s many rollbacks in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Decades of progress to protect public health is on the line as the Trump Administration works to roll back critical environmental protections,” Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said in a statement. “California isn’t having it."

Of specific concern to Californians has been the EPA’s decision to reconsider what’s called the “endangerment finding” — the basis for federal actions to curb planet-warming emissions.

“We’re using satellite technology to detect methane leaks as they happen,” Newsom said. “With this new data, we’ll be able to move faster to cut harmful methane pollution – protecting Californians and the clean air we’ve fought so hard for.”

Methane — a clear, odorless gas released from landfills, livestock facilities and fossil fuel operations — is more than 80 times as potent as carbon dioxide when it comes to near-term warming.

The satellites, one of which has already been deployed, will be able to show specific regions for observation, leading to targeted mitigation efforts.

“The effort provides information that is much closer to real time than the data now available,” CARB Chair Liane Randolph said in a statement. “It allows us to get ahead of one of the major contributors to what has become an immediate threat to public health and the environment.”

The governor also announced Friday that he was joining the “America Is All In” bipartisan climate coalition as its newest co-chair. The coalition of state and local leaders intends to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050, while boosting resilience amid climate challenges.

“With the all-out assault we’re now facing on low-carbon, green growth from the federal level, it’s the subnational leaders — those of us leading our states and cities — who have to step up,” Newsom said.

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