Bill > SB613

This bill aims to address methane emissions from petroleum and natural gas production, particularly focusing on out-of-state sources supplying California. It requires state agencies to prioritize strategies for reducing methane emissions from imported petroleum and natural gas where feasible and cost-effective. The bill mandates that the State Air Resources Board establish a certification standard by December 31, 2026, for petroleum and natural gas producing low methane emissions (defined as less than 0.2% methane intensity across the supply chain). The board will be required to annually request and incorporate information from utilities and large gas users about their use of certified low-methane natural gas, and to publish annual estimates of potential greenhouse gas emissions reductions from such practices. The legislation recognizes methane's significant global warming potential (27-30 times that of carbon dioxide over 100 years) and aligns with California's broader climate change goals of reducing fossil fuel reliance. Importantly, the bill does not mandate new gas procurement or promote expanded use of fossil fuel resources, but instead seeks to incentivize emissions reductions and support the state's transition to clean energy. The bill builds upon existing EPA regulations and California's climate change strategies, with the intent of addressing methane emissions from out-of-state natural gas sources, which currently represent a significant portion of the state's greenhouse gas emissions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB613