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

Senator Stern's methane emissions reduction legislation directs California state agencies to establish new certification standards and reporting requirements for imported petroleum and natural gas. The bill requires the State Air Resources Board to create certification criteria by December 2026 for petroleum and natural gas producing low methane emissions, defined as having an emissions intensity below 0.2% across the supply chain. State agencies must prioritize procurement of certified low-methane gas where feasible and cost-effective.

The measure mandates annual reporting from utilities and large gas users on their use of certified low-methane natural gas and best practices for emissions reduction. Starting in 2027, the Air Resources Board must publish estimates of potential greenhouse gas reductions achieved through certified low-methane fuel usage and improved industry practices. The Public Utilities Commission and other relevant agencies must evaluate programs to reduce methane emissions from imported fuels procured by utilities and major industrial users.

The legislation builds upon existing state requirements for greenhouse gas emissions tracking and reduction while maintaining current environmental and public health protections. The bill specifies that its provisions do not mandate new fuel procurement or promote expanded fossil fuel use, preserving California's broader goals of transitioning away from natural gas to renewable energy sources. According to the Air Resources Board's findings cited in the bill, methane emissions from out-of-state natural gas imported to California in 2020 exceeded emissions from in-state oil and gas operations and landfills.