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Criteria Pollutant Emissions Inventory

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About

The California Criteria Pollutant Emission Inventory is managed by the Criteria Pollutant Inventory Section within the Air Quality Planning and Science Division at the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Our team works collaboratively with local air districts throughout California to compile, validate, and maintain comprehensive emissions data for the state.

Data Management Systems

The inventory relies on the following systems:

CEIDARS

The California Emissions Inventory Data Analysis and Reporting System (CEIDARS) database maintains statewide criteria pollutant and air toxic emissions. Through the Facility Search Tool, you can query CEIDARS data. You can learn more about CEIDARShere. 

CEPAM

The California Emissions Projection Analysis Model (CEPAM) uses inventory data to forecast emissions using growth and control data. The model is useful in evaluating control strategies. Learn more here.

Criteria Pollutants

The inventory tracks the following criteria pollutants:

  • Particulate Matter (PM): Tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO): A gas that reduces oxygen delivery to the body
  • Sulfur Oxides (SOx): A gas that can harm the respiratory system
  • Lead (Pb): A toxic metal that can cause neurological issues
  • Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): A gas that can irritate airways; NOx is a precursor to ground-level ozone
  • Reactive Organic Gases (ROGs): A gas that can lead to to respiratory issues; ROG is a precursor to ground-level ozone

These pollutants are regulated under federal and state clean air standards. Learn more here.

Emission Sources

California is a diverse state with many sources of air pollution. To estimate the sources and quantities of pollution, CARB, in cooperation with local Air Quality Management Districts and Air Pollution Control Districts (Districts), maintains an inventory of California emission sources. Sources are divided into six major emission sectors or categories:

  • Stationary Point: Identifiable locations often permitted by local Districts, such as power plants and refineries
  • Stationary Aggregated: Groups of numerous similar sources like gasoline stations and dry cleaners
  • Areawide: Sources spread over large areas, such as consumer products and dust from roads
  • On-Road Mobile: Passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, and buses
  • Off-Road Mobile: Aircraft, trains, boats, construction equipment, and farm machinery
  • Natural sources: Emissions not a result of human activity, such as vegetation, petroleum seeps, and wildfires

Learn more here.

FAQ

Our page answers common questions related to criteria emission inventory (e.g. what is a state implementation plan (SIP), what speciation profiles does CARB use). Learn more here.

District Resources

To help Air Districts prepare their inventories, CARB maintains resources for criteria emission inventory reporting. Learn more here.