Public Comment Period Opens for Leak Detection at Oil and Gas Operations
On February 29, 2024, the Department of Conservation’s California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) released a Request for Information seeking feedback on technologies and processes that can be used to effectively ensure leaks associated with oil and gas operations are being detected.
Public Comment will be accepted until 5pm May 31, 2024.
Meeting Notices
Methane Task Force Public Meeting – #6 - February 29, 2024
Methane Task Force Public Meeting – #5 - October 17, 2023
Methane Task Force Public Meeting #4 - June 27, 2023
Methane Task Force @ the AB 617 Oil & Gas Steering Committee Meeting - May 31, 2023
CalGEM, along with California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the San Joaquin Valley Air District, presented to community members the results from the most recent oil well field inspections in the Arvin/Lamont community. The three agencies inspected more than 60 wells in the area during the week of May 22. This is an effort of the Methane Task Force to support the AB 617 Arvin/Lamont Community Emissions Reduction Plan.
Methane Task Force Public Meeting #3 – February 21, 2023
Methane Task Force Public Meeting #2 – October 20, 2022
Methane Task Force Public Meeting #1 – September 15, 2022
Summary of Questions Received and Responses
Task Force Background
The Methane Task Force, a joint effort led by the Department of Conservation California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), seeks to identify and respond to methane leaks from oil infrastructure near communities, as well as address the outsized impact methane has on climate change.
Called for by Governor Newsom in
a July 2022 letter to CARB Chair Liane Randolph, the Task Force will convene on a regular basis to share with the public updates on efforts underway at CalGEM and CARB aimed at addressing methane leaks from oil and gas infrastructure, and to elevate opportunities for deeper public and local agency engagement across these programs and efforts.
Members
The Methane Task Force is made up of representatives from the following partnering state agencies:
-
California Geologic Energy Management Division
-
California Air Resources Board
-
California Natural Resources Agency
-
California Environmental Protection Agency
In support of the AB 617 Arvin/Lamont Community Emissions Reduction Plan, the Methane Task Force held joint inspections in 2023 to identify and respond to methane leaks from oil infrastructures in the community. Read about the joint inspections efforts here:
Methane Task Force Joint Inspection EffortsContact Us
