Methane Monitoring Science Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill requires NASA to lead a new effort to track methane, a gas that often leaks from energy sites and contributes to climate change. NASA would have 18 months to create a plan that uses satellites, airplanes, and ground sensors to find these leaks more accurately.
• The goal is to create a better system for sharing data with state governments, researchers, and energy companies. By getting this information out faster, the government hopes to help companies find and fix leaks quickly, which saves energy and protects the environment.
• NASA will work with other federal agencies to make sure the science is sound and that the data is useful for everyday operations. This includes focusing on 'super-emitter' events, which are large, accidental releases of gas.
• This plan is strictly about science and data collection. The bill specifically states that it does not give NASA or any other agency new powers to punish companies or enforce new environmental laws.

Impact Analysis

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