The California Air Resources Board (CARB) plays a crucial role in implementing California’s climate policy. It oversees air pollution control efforts in the state and is the lead agency for many climate change programs. CARB is responsible for developing and overseeing various greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction programs, including regulations, market programs, and incentives aimed at reducing emissions from all sectors of the economy.
One of the key initiatives is the development and implementation of the state’s Scoping Plan, which provides a detailed roadmap to guide California away from its dependence on petroleum and fossil gas to clean and renewable energy resources and zero-emission vehicles. The current plan aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 85% and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. For more information, see our blog post. That said, the plan is not a regulatory document, but rather is more of a choose your own adventure with high stakes.
CARB also annually publishes California’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
CARB is also to ensure that programs funded by California Climate Investments (CCI), the investment fund fueled as it were by the cap-and-trade marketplace administered by CARB, benefit all Californians, particularly those in disadvantaged communities, by reducing the health burdens of air pollution. These investments include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, sustainable agriculture, and recycling, with at least 50% of the investments benefiting disadvantaged and low-income communities.