Click to Enlarge.
The latest publication of California’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory released today shows a 3% drop in statewide emissions. This is the third largest annual percentage decrease since the pandemic under the Trump Administration. The decrease is equivalent to removing more than 2.6 million gasoline-powered cars from California’s roads for one year.*
“Today’s milestone once again confirms that bold climate action can deliver real results,” said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. “California’s climate pollution is falling even as our economy grows – a powerful testament to the strength of our programs, innovation in clean technology, and the commitment of communities across the state. We’re not just investing in a healthier future; we’re actively building it.”
The drop was primarily driven by reductions from the transportation sector, specifically a 17% decline from heavy-duty trucks due to the increased use of biofuels compelled by the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). Renewable diesel and biodiesel accounted for 56% of the diesel used on-road in 2023, according to CARB.
The latest data inarguably shows a trend of steady emissions decline even as the economy continues to grow. From 2000 to 2023, GHG emissions fell by 21% while California’s gross state product increased by 81%. CARB claims with ample justification that this shows the effectiveness of the state’s climate change and air quality programs.
“The latest data show that science-driven policy and innovation are moving California closer to our climate goals,” said California Environmental Protection Secretary Yana Garcia. “Emissions are down; cleaner trucks are on the road and communities are breathing healthier air. Access to reliable data isn’t just the foundation of progress. It’s how we hold ourselves accountable and make smart choices for the future. As the Trump Administration moves to weaken national emissions reporting, California will continue to lead with transparency, integrity and results.”
CARB said an early estimate of 2024 data, based primarily on reported and third-party verified data for the state’s largest emitters, shows that the downward trend will continue. The 2024 inventory data is not yet final and will not be released until 2026 once all data sources are updated and incorporated.
Highlights of the Current 2023 Report
- Emissions from cars and light-duty pickup trucks reached an all-time low as fossil fuel use continued to fall. This drop occurred despite a one percent increase in vehicle miles travelled. Emissions from the state’s heavy-duty diesel vehicles also declined.
- California has decreased the carbon intensity of its economy by 57% since 2000.
- The electricity sector had its lowest carbon intensity since 2000. Wind and solar represent over 30 percent of generation and in-state solar increased by 8% from 2022, driven by requirements under the state’s Cap-and-Invest Program, also known as Cap-and-Trade and the Renewables Portfolio Standard.
- Industrial sector emissions declined by 5% due to reductions from refineries, oil and gas extraction, cement manufacturing, cogeneration facilities, and other fossil-fuel use.
- Livestock emissions, which are responsible for 71% of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions, peaked in 2012 and continued to decline in 2023. The decrease is driven by use of methane digesters at dairies funded by Cap-and-Invest auction money and incentivized by the Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
- However, the residential and commercial sector had a rise in emissions, largely because of an increase in residential fossil gas use which was likely due to a colder winter in 2023.
About the Inventory
The California statewide inventory relies on data from the Mandatory Reporting Regulation, which counts emissions and reductions from about ~80% of California’s sources of human-caused climate emissions. It uses data from other state and local agencies to complete that picture. The announced plans to end federal monitoring of greenhouse gases will not affect California’s inventory.
California Continues to Stand Up For Science and Act On Climate Change
“Illegal federal attempts to derail California’s clean vehicle standards will have some impact on the state’s ability to reduce the negative health and environmental impacts of climate change. But California remains committed to addressing harmful pollution and the impacts of climate change,” CARB said.
*AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
CARB – Greenhouse Gas Emissions Down Again!
Click to Enlarge.
The latest publication of California’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory released today shows a 3% drop in statewide emissions. This is the third largest annual percentage decrease since the pandemic under the Trump Administration. The decrease is equivalent to removing more than 2.6 million gasoline-powered cars from California’s roads for one year.*
“Today’s milestone once again confirms that bold climate action can deliver real results,” said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. “California’s climate pollution is falling even as our economy grows – a powerful testament to the strength of our programs, innovation in clean technology, and the commitment of communities across the state. We’re not just investing in a healthier future; we’re actively building it.”
The drop was primarily driven by reductions from the transportation sector, specifically a 17% decline from heavy-duty trucks due to the increased use of biofuels compelled by the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). Renewable diesel and biodiesel accounted for 56% of the diesel used on-road in 2023, according to CARB.
The latest data inarguably shows a trend of steady emissions decline even as the economy continues to grow. From 2000 to 2023, GHG emissions fell by 21% while California’s gross state product increased by 81%. CARB claims with ample justification that this shows the effectiveness of the state’s climate change and air quality programs.
“The latest data show that science-driven policy and innovation are moving California closer to our climate goals,” said California Environmental Protection Secretary Yana Garcia. “Emissions are down; cleaner trucks are on the road and communities are breathing healthier air. Access to reliable data isn’t just the foundation of progress. It’s how we hold ourselves accountable and make smart choices for the future. As the Trump Administration moves to weaken national emissions reporting, California will continue to lead with transparency, integrity and results.”
CARB said an early estimate of 2024 data, based primarily on reported and third-party verified data for the state’s largest emitters, shows that the downward trend will continue. The 2024 inventory data is not yet final and will not be released until 2026 once all data sources are updated and incorporated.
Highlights of the Current 2023 Report
About the Inventory
The California statewide inventory relies on data from the Mandatory Reporting Regulation, which counts emissions and reductions from about ~80% of California’s sources of human-caused climate emissions. It uses data from other state and local agencies to complete that picture. The announced plans to end federal monitoring of greenhouse gases will not affect California’s inventory.
California Continues to Stand Up For Science and Act On Climate Change
“Illegal federal attempts to derail California’s clean vehicle standards will have some impact on the state’s ability to reduce the negative health and environmental impacts of climate change. But California remains committed to addressing harmful pollution and the impacts of climate change,” CARB said.
*AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.