SB-613 • 2026

Methane emissions: petroleum and natural gas producing low methane emissions.

Energy

Vetoed

The latest official action shows the governor vetoed this bill. Check the bill history to see whether lawmakers later overrode that veto.

Sponsor: Stern
Last action: 2026-03-02
Official status: Veto sustained.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill was vetoed but it is unclear if lawmakers will attempt an override or introduce similar legislation in the future.

Methane Emissions: Petroleum and Natural Gas Producing Low Methane Emissions

This law aims to reduce methane emissions by requiring state agencies to prioritize strategies that lower methane emissions from imported petroleum and natural gas when feasible and cost-effective.

What This Bill Does

Requires state agencies to prioritize reducing methane emissions, including those from imported petroleum and natural gas, where practical and affordable.
Encourages the State Air Resources Board to procure certified low-methane-emitting natural gas on behalf of the state.
Authorizes relevant agencies to apply approved protocols for measuring, monitoring, reporting, and verifying methane emissions in existing programs.

Who It Names or Affects

State agencies responsible for reducing greenhouse gases
Utilities that use natural gas
Large companies that are big users of natural gas

Terms To Know

Methane emissions: The release of methane, a type of greenhouse gas, into the air.
State Air Resources Board: A state agency that monitors and regulates sources of pollution to reduce harmful gases in the environment.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill was vetoed by the governor on March 2, 2026.
It is unclear if lawmakers will try to override this veto or introduce similar legislation later.

Bill History

2026-03-02 California Legislative Information
Veto sustained.
2026-03-02 California Legislative Information
Stricken from file.
2025-10-03 California Legislative Information
In Senate. Consideration of Governor's veto pending.
2025-10-03 California Legislative Information
Vetoed by the Governor.
2025-09-23 California Legislative Information
Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 2 p.m.
2025-09-13 California Legislative Information
Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 37. Noes 0. Page 3021.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
2025-09-12 California Legislative Information
In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
2025-09-12 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 54. Noes 14. Page 3391.) Ordered to the Senate.
2025-09-02 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2025-08-29 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 11. Noes 3.) (August 29).
2025-08-20 California Legislative Information
August 20 set for first hearing. Placed on APPR. suspense file.
2025-07-10 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 15. Noes 2.) (July 9). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2025-07-10 California Legislative Information
Coauthors revised.
2025-07-08 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on U. & E. (Ayes 11. Noes 1.) (July 7). Re-referred to Com. on U. & E.
2025-06-30 California Legislative Information
From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES.
2025-06-27 California Legislative Information
Assembly Rule 56 suspended.
2025-06-16 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on NAT. RES. and U. & E.
2025-06-05 California Legislative Information
In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
2025-06-04 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 37. Noes 0. Page 1506.) Ordered to the Assembly.
2025-05-27 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2025-05-23 California Legislative Information
Read second time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
2025-05-23 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 5. Noes 0. Page 1206.) (May 23).
2025-05-16 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing May 23.
2025-05-12 California Legislative Information
May 12 hearing: Placed on APPR. suspense file.
2025-05-02 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing May 12.
2025-04-29 California Legislative Information
Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2025-04-28 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 15. Noes 0. Page 811.) (April 21).
2025-04-28 California Legislative Information
April 21 set for first hearing. Reconsideration of favorable vote granted.
2025-04-10 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing April 21.
2025-04-03 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on E., U & C. (Ayes 6. Noes 1. Page 635.) (April 2). Re-referred to Com. on E., U & C.
2025-03-11 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing April 2.
2025-03-05 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on E.Q. and E., U & C.
2025-02-21 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 23.
2025-02-20 California Legislative Information
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SB 613, Stern.
Methane emissions: petroleum and natural gas producing low methane emissions.
The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 designates the State Air Resources Board as the state agency responsible for monitoring and regulating sources of emissions of greenhouse gases that cause global warming in order to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. The act requires all state agencies to consider and implement strategies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
This bill would additionally require state agencies to prioritize strategies to reduce methane emissions, including emissions from imported petroleum and natural gas, where feasible and cost effective. The bill would require the state board to encourage natural gas procurement on behalf of the state to shift to certified natural gas producing low methane emissions. The bill would also authorize the state board, the Public Utilities Commission, and other relevant
agencies to apply approved protocols that measure, monitor, report, and verify methane emissions to existing programs to reduce methane emissions, including emissions from imported petroleum and natural gas procured by utilities and other large gas users, as provided. The bill would also authorize the state board, the Public Utilities Commission, and other relevant agencies to use all relevant sources and standards, including, but not limited to, emissions data, models, or protocols from existing or new regulations.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF