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 2005 levels
2030 :

40%

2045 :

85%

2045 :

Carbon neutral

Governor
Gavin Newsom (Democrat)
House Party
Democratic Supermajority
Senate Party
Democratic Supermajority
Legislative session
1/3/24 - 8/31/24
US Climate Alliance Status
Member

47

Policies Enacted or In Progress
across 7 policy areas

15

Policy Opportunities
across 4 policy areas

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

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  • Not Enacted
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections in California

Created in partnership with
Filters
Status Policy Policy Area Policy Category YR Enacted
Enacted
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State agencies must consider the emissions performance of suppliers when procuring steel, flat glass, and mineral wool insulation for state infrastructure projects.

The state must achieve a 40% reduction in cement emissions by 2035, and net-zero by 2045, relative to 2019 levels.

CARB must also develop a framework for measuring and reducing the embodied carbon of building construction materials, primarily at the materials production stage, and can utilize an embodied carbon trading system as a potential path to achieve the required GHG reductions.

Industry, Materials, and Waste Management
Industrial Decarbonization 2021
Enacted
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The state has a target to reduce HFC emissions to 40% below 2013 levels by 2030.

The state prohibits certain HFCs in specific stationary refrigeration and air-conditioning end-uses.

Industry, Materials, and Waste Management
F-gas Regulations 2018
Enacted
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From 2011-2020, the annual maximum rate of SF6 emissions was reduced by 1 percent each year. Since 2020, the maximum SF6 emissions rate cannot exceed 1 percent for any owners of SF6-insulated switchgear.

Starting in 2025, utilities are restricted from purchasing SF6 equipment after certain dates, require new emissions limits, set reporting requirements, and maintain gas-insulated equipment inventories.

Industry, Materials, and Waste Management
F-gas Regulations 2022
Enacted
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Methane emissions must be reduced 40% below 2013 levels by 2030.

Establishing Policies
Industry, Materials, and Waste Management
Oil and Gas Regulations 2016
Enacted
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The Department of Conservation’s Geologic Energy Management (CalGEM) Division prohibits issuing new permits to conduct well stimulation treatments, including fracking, for oil and gas wells.

Industry, Materials, and Waste Management
Oil and Gas Regulations 2024
Enacted
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Municipal solid waste landfills must reduce methane and other air pollutant emissions through emissions monitoring and through capturing fugitive methane.

Industry, Materials, and Waste Management
Waste Management 2010
Enacted
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Food waste target – 50% reduction by 2020 and 75% by 2025, relative to 2014 levels.

Food waste ban – The state requires commercial generators of organic waste to either compost or anaerobically digest organic waste.

Industry, Materials, and Waste Management
Waste Management 2016

The State Climate Policy Dashboard tracks only passed policies and does not include bills currently proposed in legislative sessions. The website is intended to illustrate the current status of policies for each state, as well as key resources and model states for each policy.

Much of the information contained in this database is derived from the public domain, with links to resources provided. The information provided is made available solely for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Click here for full Terms of Use.

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