SACRAMENTO – (INT) - California is moving forward with a groundbreaking satellite data project to track and reduce methane emissions.

Methane warms the atmosphere at least 25 times more than carbon dioxide, the most common climate pollutant. Methane emissions are responsible for about a quarter of global climate pollution.

Satellite-mounted methane sensors will send data to locate and monitor large emissions of methane that could otherwise go undetected.

An older 2-year tracking study using conventional aircraft found that less than one percent of infrastructure in the state was responsible for up to 46% of total methane emissions in California.

“This satellite data project will provide information that is much closer to real time than the data now available,” said Liane Randolph, Chair of the California Air Resources Board.

The project is made possible by a $100 million state budget investment.

Story Date: March 24, 2025