Emissions

EJAC: Critical of Scoping Plan, Calling it Business as Usual

Posted by CLR

The EJAC meet several times during the preparation of the new scoping plan in 2021 and 2022, on June 3, August 3 and 26, September 22 and 27, October 12 and 15, November 9 and 16, December 1 and 14, 2021, and January 25, February 8 and 28, March 1, 10, and 30, April 25 and 26, May 23 and 24, June 27 and 28, July 25 and 26, August 22 and 23, September 1, 26, and 27, October 24 and 25, and November 29 and 30, 2022.

On September 30, 2022, the EJAC wrote a letter to CARB. EJAC was critical of the draft scoping plan, calling it “business as usual.” It argued that greater focus should be on direct emission reductions that covered all sources, rather than a plan that extends the life of fossil fuel and natural resource extraction. See details in the letter. You can also find CARB’s response here.

CARB’s Scoping Plans

Posted by CLR

The California Scoping Plan refers to a comprehensive strategy developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to outline measures and actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the state. The plan is a key component of California’s commitment to addressing climate change and meeting its statutory targets for reducing emissions.

The 2008 Scoping Plan, which was actually finalized in 2009, was the first such plan. As required by statute, the Scoping Plan has been updated every five years by CARB since then.

The 2022 Scoping Plan can be found here: 2022 Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality

The 2017 Scoping Plan can be found here: California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan

The 2013 Scoping Plan can be found here: First Update to the Climate Change Scoping Plan: Building on the Framework Pursuant to AB 32: The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006

The 2008 Scoping Plan can be found here: Climate Change Scoping Plan: A Framework for Change Pursuant to AB 32 The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006

Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO): Assessing California’s Climate Policies–The 2022 Scoping Plan Update

Posted by CLR

The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) recently evaluated the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) 2022 Scoping Plan Update, which outlines the state’s plan for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The report can be found here: Assessing California’s Climate Policies—The 2022 Scoping Plan Update. The Scoping Plan Update aims to achieve a 48% reduction in GHG emissions below the 1990 level by 2030 and at least an 85% reduction by 2045. However, the LAO’s assessment found that the plan lacks a clear strategy for meeting the 2030 GHG goals, as it does not specify the specific policies it will implement to achieve these reductions. The report provides recommendations for legislative next steps. 

Specifically, the LAO recommended that the California legislature should work with CARB to develop a more detailed plan that outlines specific policies and measures to achieve the 2030 GHG reduction goals. Additionally, the report suggested that the legislature should consider providing oversight to ensure that the plan is effectively implemented and that the state is on track to meet its GHG reduction targets.