California utilities will be required to supply an increasing percentage of renewable natural gas (RNG), aka biomethane, to their customers following a decision last Thursday by state regulators.

california gas demand

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) set biomethane targets for utilities in an effort to reach the state’s goal of a 40% reduction in methane and other short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP) versus 2013 levels by 2030.

The medium-term 2030 biomethane procurement target is 72.8 Bcf/year, equal to about 12% of the state’s residential and commercial natural gas consumption in 2020. 

“Tackling methane and other short-lived climate pollutants is critical given our climate crisis,” said commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen. “This decision will reduce emissions from...