Governor’s price range proposes to launch community of satellites to detect dangerous methane leaks and observe as much as 40 p.c of worldwide methane emissions, and make investments $200 million for plugging idle wells liable to leaking methane

California is following by way of on its dedication to chopping 40 p.c of methane emissions by 2030

LOS ANGELES – Joined by leaders from throughout the Americas, Governor Gavin Newsom at present highlighted world-leading efforts to chop California’s emissions of methane, one of many worst local weather pollution, and strengthen partnerships with different leaders to additional cut back world air pollution. On the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, the Governor shared the Administration’s proposals to aggressively plug idle oil wells liable to leaking methane and launch a community of satellites that would supply close to real-time knowledge on massive scale methane leaks, leaks from oil and fuel infrastructure, landfills, and different sources to trace upwards of 40 p.c of worldwide methane emissions.

The Governor’s California Local weather Dedication, a historic $47.1 billion proposal, consists of $200 million for remediating idle oil wells and $100 million for the methane-detecting satellites. These satellites might be crucial for California regulators to carry polluters accountable, and the remainder of the world will profit as nicely from clear and well timed entry to knowledge on leaks after they happen. The $200 million would enable the State to rapidly get to work plugging idle oil wells, particularly orphaned idle wells, in anticipation of extra Federal help. The funding would additionally give the State the power to expeditiously remediate wells owned by delinquent operators whereas regulators pursue reimbursement.

This proposal is simply the most recent step that California has taken to cut back dangerous methane air pollution. The state’s superpollutant legislation requires a 40 p.c discount in methane emissions by 2030 and the most recent knowledge signifies California is well-positioned to satisfy that focus on. Moreover, the state is investing over $370 million to cut back emissions from the livestock and dairy sector – chargeable for half of the state’s methane emissions.

“Later is simply too late to behave on local weather change, and addressing the results of methane emissions have to be a high precedence for each authorities – decreasing air pollution in our communities and transitioning away from fossil fuels. California is proposing an all-of-the-above strategy, from launching satellites that may observe methane emissions all through the world to plugging idle wells,” mentioned Governor Newsom. “As we’ve seen proper right here in California, these oil wells current the chance of leaking at any second. We’re inspired by these world partnerships to sort out this downside collectively, for the advantage of all nations.”

Governor Newsom joined U.S. Particular Presidential Envoy for Local weather John Kerry and different leaders of the Americas as a part of a reception for the International Methane Hub on the Summit of the Americas.

“Because the area with the best participation degree within the International Methane Pledge, Latin America and the Caribbean are displaying unbelievable management and motion in delivering the methane reductions we have to preserve 1.5C inside attain.  We recognize the sturdy help of the Methane Hub in serving to international locations ship on actions to help the International Methane Pledge,” mentioned Particular Presidential Envoy for Local weather John Kerry.

Governor Newsom and Particular Presidential Envoy for Local weather John Kerry on the Summit of the Americas

Because the International Methane Pledge was introduced in October by america and European Union, over 110 international locations have dedicated to cut back methane emissions by greater than 30% by 2030. The International Methane Hub – led by CEO Marcelo Mena, Chile’s former Minister of the Setting – is a first-of-its-kind world alliance of greater than 20 main philanthropies and organizations who’ve dedicated over $300 million in direction of enabling and supporting tangible methane discount options.

“It’s clear from at present’s convening that leaders and changemakers from throughout the Americas are as much as the duty of preventing local weather change, and I’m humbled by their collective dedication to expedite methane discount,” Mena mentioned. “I’m honored to hitch these esteemed leaders as we determine new options, race to implement them successfully and effectively, and chart a brand new path ahead that may safe our planet’s longevity for future generations to return. ”

California’s world-leading local weather insurance policies have led the state to exceed its 2020 local weather goal 4 years forward of schedule, and created partnerships throughout the U.S. and around the globe. Governor Newsom’s California Local weather Dedication is targeted on tackling air pollution, constructing climate-resilient water provides, defending Californians from catastrophic wildfires, guaranteeing grid reliability and accelerating clear power options, and supporting communities towards excessive warmth.

In the previous few weeks, state oil and fuel regulators have found idle oil wells leaking methane in Kern County. The state has taken pressing motion to make sure these wells are correctly remediated and operators are held accountable.

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