Congressman Pat Harrigan Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Use NASA Technology to Track Methane Leaks

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) joined Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) in introducing the Methane Monitoring Science Act, bipartisan legislation to improve federal coordination of methane monitoring technologies and methane emissions data sharing. The bill is designed to help energy producers and methane mitigation companies better identify leaks, reduce lost revenue, and strengthen the credibility of American energy in global markets.

"American energy competes in global markets where credibility matters. Right now, methane data is scattered across different systems, which makes it harder for U.S. producers to clearly show how they operate," said Congressman Harrigan. "This bill directs NASA to use the satellites and data infrastructure it already runs to deliver more accurate methane measurements, without adding new regulations or expanding enforcement authority. When measurement is solid, American energy is stronger, exports are more competitive, and our national security is better protected."

The Methane Monitoring Science Act directs NASA to develop a science-based strategy to assess current and future methane monitoring and detection capabilities, including ground-based, airborne, and space-based technologies, and to improve how methane data is integrated and shared. The legislation was included as an amendment in the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 and was reported out of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on February 4, 2026.