The Subnational Methane Action Coalition

Leading the world toward rapid methane action

Worldwide, states and provinces have the authority and expertise to slash methane emissions and combat climate change. Members of the Subnational Methane Action Coalition (SMAC) are leading the way.

The Methane Imperative

Methane is a colorless, flammable gas that has caused nearly one-third of Earth’s warming. One ton of methane traps 80 times more heat than one ton of carbon dioxide, averaged over 20 years. Since captured methane can be used for fuel, methane solutions are often profitable.

States and provinces are uniquely positioned to lead the fight against methane emissions. SMAC provides a platform that helps governments gain access to financial, technical, and policy resources while learning from each other. Joining is always free.

Founding Members

Africa

Cross River State, Nigeria

Guateng, South Africa

Asia

Delhi, India

Gyeonggi, South Korea

Europe

Andalusia, Spain

Baden-Württemberg, Germany

North America

British Columbia, Canada

California, United States

Colorado, United States

Queretaro, Mexico

Yucatán, Mexico

South America

Córdoba, Argentina

Chubut, Argentina

Espírito Santo, Brazil

Pernambuco, Brazil

Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Each jurisdiction has different needs. Whether a government is new to methane or already a world leader, SMAC helps officials craft methane policies and gain global recognition for their efforts.

Methane policy, simplified

  • Identifying Solutions: SMAC works with technical and policy experts to design customized methane strategies that are right for a given jurisdiction.

  • Supporting Emissions Monitoring: SMAC helps governments find key sources of methane through low-cost technologies, including public satellite data.

  • Deploying Projects: SMAC supports innovative methane initiatives at oil and gas operations, farms, landfills, and other methane-producing facilities.

  • Building Model Policies: SMAC facilitates international collaboration to exchange model policies, laws, and rules.

  • Promoting Environmental Justice: SMAC hosts subnational exchanges to maximize the social, economic, and health benefits of methane action.

  • Helping with Finance: SMAC fosters access to international financing mechanisms to help members cut methane.

Top Methane-Producing Sectors

Agriculture
32-40%

Methane from the agricultural sector comes mainly from livestock and rice cultivation. Agricultural methane solutions often make food production more efficient and profitable.

Oil & Gas
20-25%

In the oil and gas sector, methane can be released by the extraction and distribution of fuel. Methane that is retained or captured can be used to generate heat and electricity.

Waste
14-20%

Landfills and wastewater produce methane through the decomposition of organics. This can be remedied through composting, fuel capture, and other systems.