California to track methane emissions with satellite technology

• Gov. Gavin Newsom is leveraging satellites equipped with sensors to track methane emissions across the state. The initiative supports the broader goals of the “America is All In” coalition.
• The announcement comes as the Trump administration seeks to roll back environmental protections.
• California is investing in space-based technology, deploying eight satellites to monitor methane emissions, with one already in place.

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom is turning to cutting-edge technology to tackle one of the most significant contributors to pollution. The state is deploying satellites equipped with sensors to track methane emissions across California, aiming to reduce this dangerous, colorless and odorless gas that often goes undetected in the atmosphere.

Methane is typically trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere by sources such as livestock facilities, landfills and oil and gas production. Through this new initiative, Newsom aims to gather data that will help California mitigate the effects of methane and protect its residents from harmful pollution.

“America is All In” coalition collaboration

Newsom is not acting alone. As co-chair of the “America is All In” coalition, Newsom is joining forces with other state leaders to fight climate change. The coalition includes companies like Microsoft and Walmart, as well as representatives from Indian reservations and all 50 states. Together, these leaders are committed to using technology and data to support environmental initiatives.

EPA reevaluating environmental protections

The announcement of California’s new initiative comes at a pivotal time. Newsom pointed out that this push for climate action occurs just as the Trump administration moves to roll back environmental protections.

This effort builds on a 2009 determination by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), known as ‘endangerment finding.”Under the Clean Air Act, greenhouse gases such as methane pose a threat to community health.

Here are the six gases the EPA identified as harmful:

• Carbon dioxide (CO2).
• Methane (CH4).
• Nitrous oxide (N2O).
• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
• Perfluorocarbons (PFCs).
• Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).

On March 12, 2025, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin revealed the agency would reevaluate this 16-year-old finding, collaborating with the Office of Management and Budget.

“The Trump Administration will not sacrifice national prosperity, energy security, and the freedom of our people for an agenda that throttles our industries, our mobility, and our consumer choice while benefiting adversaries overseas.”

Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator

Newsom emphasized California’s commitment to continuing its efforts to fight pollution, stating the state would use the new data to “move faster to cut harmful methane pollution, protecting Californians and the clean air we’ve fought so hard for.”

$100 million investment

In a significant move to further combat methane emissions, California has invested $100 million to deploy eight satellites equipped with methane-detecting sensors. One satellite is already in place, and the remaining seven will soon follow. Although the state does not own the equipment, it will have full access to the data, which will aid in mitigation, education, and outreach efforts.

This investment continues the work of former Gov. Jerry Brown, who previously focused on tracking pollution both within California and beyond its borders.

The initiative highlights California’s ongoing commitment to addressing climate change and pollution, while also emphasizing the state’s leadership role in shaping environmental policy.

California’s Methane emissions

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported in 2023, Texas consumed the most natural gas, with California following in second place. Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Florida were also among the top five consumers.