CA SB781

State Air Resources Board must establish a certification standard for natural gas producing low methane emissions (methane emissions intensity of less than 0.2%) by December 31, 2024.

State agencies must prioritize strategies to reduce methane emissions, including emissions from imported natural gas, where feasible and cost effective.

State Air Resources Board, Public Utilities Commission, and other relevant agencies must consider programs to reduce methane emissions from natural gas procured by utilities and other large gas users.

State Air Resources Board must annually request information from utilities and large gas users about certified low-methane natural gas contracts and best practices, and publish estimates of potential emissions reductions starting January 1, 2025.

State board shall encourage state natural gas procurement to shift to certified low-methane natural gas where feasible and cost effective, consistent with Public Utilities Commission ratepayer protection standards.