California Accelerates Satellite Project to Monitor Methane Levels

The move is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new role as co-chair of a coalition of state and local leaders who vow to cut emissions in half by 2030.

California is launching satellites to monitor methane levels across the state, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on March 21, 2025. Gov. Gavin Newsom's Office

Spurred by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) recent actions to cut environmental regulations, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on March 21 an accelerated plan to launch satellites to track and reduce methane emissions.

The move is part of Newsom’s new role as co-chair of America Is All In, a coalition of state and local leaders who vow to cut emissions in half by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

California’s plan is to use satellite-mounted methane sensors to send data to agencies such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

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

The project and data collection will be funded with $100 million from the state’s cap-and-trade program, which is paid for by electricity generators and fuel suppliers. The fees add at least 27 cents to each gallon of gas consumers buy in California.

One satellite has already been launched, with seven more waiting to be deployed, according to the governor’s office.

Methane is a clear, odorless gas emitted from landfills, oil and gas operations, livestock, and natural sources such as wetlands, the office said.

On March 12, the EPA launched what it called the “biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history” to “unleash American energy, lower cost of living for Americans, revitalize the American auto industry, restore the rule of law, and give power back to states to make their own decisions. ”

President Donald Trump also issued an executive order on his first day in office to pause all “Green New Deal” funding, calling for a review of all policies and programs in light of his administration’s goal to reduce regulatory burdens.

California intends to capture methane emissions data from across the state, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on March 21, 2025. Gov. Gavin Newsom's Office

Newsom’s office said collecting the new emissions data would allow state and local agencies to work together with the industry to stop leaks and protect public health.

The state plans to maintain a database and web portal to coordinate and document mitigation actions.

“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,” CARB Chair Liane Randolf said in a statement on Friday.

State agencies will be able to select specific regions to observe and collect data.

The data collected will be available to communities to view methane mitigation efforts, for education, and for public outreach, according to the governor’s office.