Story perspectives

California Groups Demand Methane Monitoring in Reservoirs

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

California environmental groups are urging the state to monitor methane emissions from reservoirs.
Methane comes from oil and gas industries, landfills, dairy farms, and underwater decaying plants, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says flooded lands, including reservoirs, contribute substantially to these emissions.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) plans to address a petition by the end of July, underscoring the need to understand reservoirs' climate impact.

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Story summary

California environmental groups are urging the state to monitor methane emissions from reservoirs.
Methane comes from oil and gas industries, landfills, dairy farms, and underwater decaying plants, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says flooded lands, including reservoirs, contribute substantially to these emissions.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) plans to address a petition by the end of July, underscoring the need to understand reservoirs' climate impact.