West
California
California has long been a leader in climate and environmental justice policy and is one of the world’s largest economies. Despite ambitious climate policies, including an emissions reduction target of 85% below 1990 levels by 2045, emissions decreased only 7% from 1990-2021. Around half of in-state electricity is generated from renewables, and the state is the nation’s top producer of electricity from solar and geothermal resources. The state ranks 7th in the country for crude oil production, although both crude oil and natural gas production are steadily declining.
GHG Reduction Targets
All targets relative to 1990
levels
2030
40%
2045
85%
2045
Carbon neutral
Governor
Gavin Newsom (Democrat)
Governor
Gavin Newsom (Democrat)
House Party
Democratic Supermajority
House Party
Democratic Supermajority
Senate Party
Democratic Supermajority
Senate Party
Democratic Supermajority
Legislative session
12/2/24 - 9/12/25
US Climate Alliance Status
Member
Key Offices & Links
47
15
West
11 states
This map shows the occurrence of climate policies passed at the state-level. Higher numbers represent more climate policies enacted.
Progress by Policy Area
- Enacted Enacted policies have been passed or established in a state by a governing body via legislation, executive orders, rules, regulations, and/or other program creation, and remain in effect.
- In-progress In progress policies have been established in a state, but final regulations, rules, or plans are pending final approval. This also includes legislation and executive orders that require regulations to be put into effect.
- Partially Enacted Partially enacted policies have been enacted in the state, but are missing one or more policy components. Dashboard policies cannot be considered partially enacted unless policy components are available.
- Not Enacted Not enacted policies have not been passed or established in the state or are no longer in effect.
The colored bars indicate the status for each policy on the Dashboard, viewed across seven policy areas.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections in California
Created in partnership with
Climate Policies in California
Filters
| Status | Policy | Policy Area | Policy Category | Year Enacted | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enacted |
Empty column
California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank Establishing Policies
|
Cross-Sector
|
Climate Finance | 1944 | |
| Enacted |
Empty column
California's Cap-and-Trade Program covers the electricity, buildings, transportation, and industrial sectors, covering around 80% of state emissions. Establishing Policies
|
Cross-Sector
|
Carbon Valuation | 2012 | |
| Enacted |
Empty column
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) must incorporate the social cost of carbon when adopting rules and regulations around emissions reductions. Establishing Policies
|
Cross-Sector
|
Carbon Valuation | 2016 |