The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 designates the State Air Resources Board as the state agency charged with monitoring and regulating sources of emissions of greenhouse gases. The act requires all state agencies to consider and implement strategies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Existing law defines “greenhouse gases” for purposes of the act to include specified gases including methane.
Existing law requires the state board to approve and begin implementing a comprehensive strategy to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants in the state, including to achieve a reduction in methane emissions of 40% below 2013 levels
by 2030.
This bill would make nonsubstantive changes to this requirement. additionally require state agencies to prioritize strategies to reduce methane emissions, including emissions from imported natural gas, where feasible and cost effective. The bill would also require the state board, the Public Utilities Commission, and other relevant agencies to timely consider programs, or changes to existing programs, to reduce methane emissions, including emissions from imported natural gas.