California Air Resources Board

What you need to know:  The California Air Resources Board (CARB) permanently adopted the Emergency Vehicle Emissions Regulations that were initially adopted in 2025 as a temporary measure after the federal government purportedly   disapproved California’s waivers for newer vehicle emissions regulations, including Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) and Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Omnibus (Omnibus). The amendments clarify that California’s earlier emissions regulations will remain in-place.   
 

What you need to know:  The California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved an item at its February meeting to establish the administration and implementation fees for the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act, and the first-year reporting deadline under the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act.

SACRAMENTO – Today at noon (PST), California and Quebec released the results of the 46th joint California Cap-and-Invest and Quebec Cap-and-Trade auction of carbon allowances from both jurisdictions. The final numbers include sales figures and settlement prices for Current Vintage allowances (2024, 2025, and 2026) and Advanced Vintage allowances (2029).

Current Vintage

Number offered: 54,975,757 

Number sold: 54,975,757

Settlement price: $27.94

What you need to know: CARB released an updated inventory calculating carbon stored in California’s natural and working lands using design principles established by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The data show plants have absorbed twice the carbon lost to wildfires, demonstrating the important role of nature as the state works toward carbon neutrality.

What you need to know: California continues to lead the nation in replacing polluting diesel school buses with zero-emission models, thanks to nearly $1.4 billion in state investments, according to a new report. Unfortunately, federal funding for zero-emission school buses is in doubt. 

What you need to know: Applications are open for Community Planning and Capacity Building Grants. Up to $7.3 million is available, with individual grants up to $500,000. New this year: funding is more accessible to tribal governments.  

SACRAMENTO –Despite a year of federal opposition around every corner, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) continued its critical mission and remained focused on its duties to improve air quality and public health and to tackle climate change.  

Here’s a quick snapshot of 12 of CARB’s most significant highlights from this year:  

SACRAMENTO – Today at noon (PDT), California and Quebec released the results of the 45th joint cap-and-trade auction of carbon allowances from both jurisdictions. The final numbers include sales figures and settlement prices for Current Vintage (2023,2024, and 2025) and Advanced Vintage (2028).

Current Vintage

Number offered: 51,253,305

What you need to know: The California Air Resources Board approved updates to its Landfill Methane Regulation to enable quicker detection and repair of methane leaks at landfills, improved monitoring and reporting, public data transparency and stronger action for recurring issues. Advanced technologies, like satellite monitoring, are a key to improved methane emissions reduction in the state.  

What you need to know: California steps in as federal administration moves to eliminate climate data-gathering satellites. The state satellite project has already helped resolve 10 large methane leaks, equivalent to removing about 18,000 cars from California roads for a year.