California Climate Change Legislation

California has taken meaningful steps to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  The Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (RPS) (2002, modified in 2006, 2011) required that renewables make up 20% of the state’s electricity mix by 2010 and 33% by 2020.

Efforts were accelerated with the 2006 landmark legislation, the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32).  This set as law that 2020 greenhouse gas emissions cannot exceed 1990 levels.

In 2008, the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act (SB 375) required regional GHG emission reduction targets for cars and light trucks, and coordinates land use, transportation, and housing decisions to help achieve the target.

In 2011, Cap-and-Trade set a declining cap on allowed GHG emissions.  Beginning in 2013 the largest carbon emitters will be required to meet the caps or buy credits.

In 2012 the Advanced Clean Cars Standard set GHG standards for cars and light trucks for model years 2017-2025.


Advanced Clean Cars Standard

In 2012 the Advanced Clean Cars Standard was approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).  It sets GHG standards for cars and light trucks for model years 2017-2025.   The program combines control of smog, soot and greenhouse gases into a single package of standards. When the rules are fully implemented in 2025: New automobiles will emit 34% fewer […]

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Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32)

In 2006 the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) became law in California.  The Act set a requirement that greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 could not exceed 1990 levels.  The California Air Resources Board (CARB) was charged with developing actions to reach that goal. The Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) included a number of specific requirements: CARB to […]

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Renewables Portfolio Standard

California has a long history of fostering renewable energy .  Many homes installed solar water heating or photovoltaic systems as early as the 1970s.  The state was fertile ground for moving toward increasing renewable energy in their state portfolio. Electricity was deregulated in 1998 and the California Energy Commission was given the task of building a Renewable Energy Program.  Legislation related to […]

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