February 9, 2026
Mr. Beyer (for himself and Mr. Harrigan) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
To require a Federal science strategy for the monitoring and detection of methane, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Methane Monitoring Science Act of 2026
.
Sec. 2. Methane monitoring and detection strategy
(a) In general
Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (in this section referred to as the Administrator
) shall carry out the following:
(1)
Develop, in consultation with the heads of relevant Federal departments and agencies, a consensus- and science-based strategy to assess and evaluate the utilization of present and future methane monitoring and detection capabilities, including ground-based, airborne, and space-based sensors, source- and site-level technologies, and the integration of data relating to such monitoring and detection from other indicators, with a focus on the ability to detect methane emissions and large methane emission events, to strengthen American energy security.
(2)
Submit to Congress a report on such strategy.
(b) Goal
The strategy under subsection (a) shall be developed with the goal of enhancing the scientific and operational value of the capabilities referred to in such subsection, such that—
(1)
the Administrator may use such strategy to inform the planning of relevant research and development activities;
(2)
non-Federal entities, including State and local governments, academia, nonprofit organizations, commercial industry such as the natural gas and oil industry of the United States, and international organizations, may effectively leverage data and information provided or enabled by such capabilities; and
(3)
such data may be quickly operationalized to support the rapid mitigation of methane leaks.
(c) Enforcement authority
Nothing in this section may be construed as conferring enforcement authority to the Administrator, or the head of any other Federal department or agency, with regard to methane emissions, that was not in effect on the date before the date of the enactment of this Act.