Newsom declares war on methane in California as Trump administration guts environmental rules

Sacramento, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom, in his first action as Co-Chair of the America Is All In coalition, unveiled a groundbreaking state initiative to combat methane pollution using advanced satellite technology. This move comes as the Trump Administration’s EPA is actively dismantling long-standing environmental protections, including reconsidering the “endangerment finding,” which underpins federal efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

The newly announced technology utilizes satellite-mounted methane sensors to detect and monitor significant methane emissions, which often go undetected by traditional methods. This data will enable state and local agencies to collaborate with industry to swiftly address leaks and safeguard public health.

“Decades of progress to protect public health is on the line as the Trump Administration works to roll back critical environmental protections. California isn’t having it,” stated Governor Newsom. “Thanks to our state investment, we’re using satellite technology to detect methane leaks as they happen. 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 potent greenhouse gas 80 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide in the short term, is a major contributor to climate change, accounting for approximately a quarter of global carbon pollution. Sources of methane emissions include landfills, oil and gas operations, livestock facilities, and natural sources like wetlands.

The satellite project, funded by a $100 million investment from California’s Cap-and-Trade program, will establish a database and web portal to coordinate and document mitigation efforts. While the state does not own the satellites, it will have the capability to target specific regions for observation. This data will also be accessible to communities for educational purposes and outreach.

“This satellite project to monitor methane is unique for a state effort that will help us better identify sources of pollution Californians are already seeing and feeling the intensifying impacts from firsthand,” said California Air Resources Board (CARB) Chair Liane Randolph. “The effort provides information that is much closer to real time than the data now available. 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. 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.”

This initiative builds upon California’s previous efforts to tackle methane emissions. Last year, the state, in collaboration with a philanthropically-backed coalition, launched a satellite to track pollutants, fulfilling a promise made by former Governor Jerry Brown. In 2023, California also introduced a pledge for subnational governments to commit to reducing global methane emissions, complementing the Global Methane Hub’s Global Methane Pledge.