About the Project
What is CalSMP?
The California Satellite Methane Project (CalSMP) is a California Air Resources Board project that uses satellites to detect large methane leaks across the state. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, trapping roughly 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Satellite imaging provides an effective method of detecting methane emissions and expediting the mitigation process.
What is the CalSMP Community Engagement Project?
Detecting methane is only part of the work. The data also needs to support timely actions taken to address methane leaks originating from oil and gas infrastructure, solid waste landfills, dairy digesters and other sources to protect the people living nearby. The goal of the CalSMP Community Engagement Project is to partner with local community-based organizations to improve the understanding and utilization of this technical data and share information about these leaks and the actions taken to address them with communities in California.
Why it Matters
Turning Satellite Data Into Community Action
Community Voices Are Essential
The CalSMP Community Engagement Project is investing in community-based organizations to help residents:
- View methane plume images detected near their community
- Learn about large, highly concentrated sources of methane emissions
- Share community concerns related to methane plumes and sources with the California Air Resources Board
- Provide feedback on available tools and resources to track methane emissions
- Help shape future CalSMP development regarding tools and communication methods
Methane Plumes Near Communities
While methane is a powerful climate pollutant, it is not considered to be toxic. However, other pollutants may be emitted alongside methane, raising important questions about potential health impacts of the co-pollutants associated with methane plumes. The potential for health impacts is affected by a number of factors, including the type of co-pollutants, which vary by source, their concentration, how they disperse, and an individuals' exposure.
Funding Opportunities
Four Ways to Bring this Work to Your Community
CBOs may apply for multiple subgrants. See RFP and application for more details.
Local Community Engagement
Conduct outreach and education within specific communities.
Up to $200,000
Statewide, Source-specific Content Expert
Develop educational resources focused on a specific methane source type.
Up to $200,000
Regional Coordinator for Kern County
Coordinate outreach efforts of other funded CBOs in Kern County.
Up to $200,000
Special Project
Implement innovative activities outside the scope of other program components.
Up to $200,000
Who Should Apply
Eligible Applicants
Applicants should have experience in community outreach, environmental justice, public health, climate, air quality, energy, or related issues.
Organizations may be a:
- Community-based nonprofit
- Tribal government
- Environmental justice organization
- Community college with demonstrated community engagement
- Organization serving disadvantaged or underserved communities
If you have any questions you can contact us at support@communitymethane.org
Attend Q&A Session
Application Information Session
Join us to learn about funding opportunities, application requirements, and available support for organizations interested in applying for a CalSMP Community Engagement Subgrant.
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Date
November 23, 2026
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Time
2:00 - 3:30 PM (English)
4:00 - 5:30 PM (Spanish)
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Format
Virtual Zoom Meeting