The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has adopted its Five-Year Strategic Research Plan for 2025–2030, “reaffirming the agency’s commitment to science-driven policymaking that protects public health and addresses the growing threats of climate change.”
The plan outlines CARB’s research priorities in five areas – health, ambient air quality, climate, mobile sources, and sustainable transportation, housing, and communities. Environmental justice and economic concerns are addressed throughout the five areas.

“While the federal government recklessly dismantles decades of proven science and undermines public trust, California is doubling down on facts, data and accountability,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “This plan isn’t just a roadmap for cleaner air and smart climate action; it’s a declaration that science still matters. We’re building policies that are resilient, adaptive and rooted in evidence.”

CARB said it is continuing to embrace science-driven policymaking when the federal government is retreating from it. “Many of the California-specific research needs may be relevant to other jurisdictions, particularly where federal research may no longer be available,” the plan states.