Methane emissions: petroleum and natural gas producing low methane emissions.

Senator Stern's methane emissions reduction legislation directs California state agencies to prioritize strategies for reducing methane emissions from imported petroleum and natural gas sources. The bill authorizes the State Air Resources Board, Public Utilities Commission, and other agencies to apply approved protocols for measuring, monitoring, reporting and verifying methane emissions across existing reduction programs, particularly focusing on gas procured by utilities and large industrial users.

The legislation establishes a framework requiring state agencies to consider methane reduction strategies where feasible and cost-effective, while empowering the Air Resources Board to encourage procurement of certified low-emission natural gas for state use. According to the bill's findings, approximately 90 percent of California's natural gas comes from out-of-state sources, with associated methane emissions estimated at 9.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2020 - making it the second largest source of methane emissions affecting the state.

The measure specifies that it does not mandate new petroleum or natural gas procurement, nor is it intended to promote expanded use of fossil fuels. Rather, it aims to address emissions from existing natural gas imports through standardized measurement protocols and procurement preferences, while maintaining alignment with California's broader transition toward renewable energy sources. The bill preserves all existing federal, state and local environmental and public health requirements.