California Air Resources Board

Community Impacts

Oil and gas equipment, landfills, dairies, and other potential methane sources may be located near communities. Since there may be many individual sources of emissions within each site and the emissions can be sporadic in nature, it can be difficult to monitor them using conventional methods. Satellite plume imaging technology helps by regularly scanning large areas of California to spot large methane emissions or leaks. When large methane emissions are detected by satellites, CARB acts to quickly mitigate those emissions, thereby reducing potential risk to nearby communities.

Methane is not toxic, and the likelihood of concentrations reaching explosive levels is exceedingly low even for large sources detected by satellites. However, methane is often emitted along with other pollutants (co-pollutants), such as non-methane volatile organic compounds and criteria air pollutants, which can degrade air quality and impact public health. The magnitude and types of co-pollutants vary by source, and CARB is working to better estimate their characteristics and associated health impacts.

If plumes are detected near communities, CARB will follow an expedited procedure to inform air districts, first responders, operators, and community members. These plumes may require a more immediate response, or targeted notifications compared to our standard operator notification and mitigation tracking process.

Community Engagement Grant

Applications are now open for a competitive grant solicitation for one or more Grantees to serve as third-party administrator(s) (3PA) for the California Satellite Methane Community Engagement Project. There is a total of 4.75 million available across three regions and potential 3PAs are invited to apply for one or more region(s).

CARB’s goal for this program is to make satellite methane plume data useful and accessible for communities. The program is designed to produce materials both CARB and community groups can use to communicate about methane emissions and the methane plume data in particular, as well as host opportunities for community groups to provide feedback to CARB on existing public materials.

This competitive Solicitation is for grantee(s), which can be federal, State, or local government entities or agencies, or California nonprofit organizations with expertise in building and maintaining key partnerships, effective outreach to underserved communities, and climate equity programs.

Applications must be submitted by email to CalSMP@arb.ca.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. (PST), January 13, 2026. See the Community Engagement Grant page for all solicitation information and materials.