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CARB Releases Scoping Plan for Reducing GHGs 40% by 2030

01.23.17 | Blog | By:

On Friday last week, CARB released its proposed scoping plan to reduce GHG emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 (see post Aug. 30, 2016). The proposed plan continues the Cap-and-Trade Program through 2030 and includes a new approach to reduce GHGs from refineries by 20%. It also comprehensively addresses for the first time the greenhouse gas emissions from natural and working lands of California—including the agriculture and forestry sectors.  The major elements of the framework proposed in the plan include:

  • Achieve 50% Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) by 2030; doubling of energy efficiency savings by 2030.
  • Increased stringency (reducing carbon intensity 18% by 2030, up from 10% in 2020) of the Low Carbon Fuels Standard (LCFS).
  • Maintaining existing GHG standards for light- and heavy-duty vehicles; put 4.2 million zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the roads; increase ZEV buses, delivery and other trucks.
  • Improve freight system efficiency; maximize use of near-ZEVs and equipment powered by renewable energy; deploy more than 100,000 zero-emission trucks and equipment by 2030.
  • Reduce emissions of methane and hydrofluorocarbons 40% below 2013 levels by 2030; reduce emissions of black carbon 50% below 2013 levels by 2030.
  • 20% reduction in GHGs emissions from the refinery sector.
  • CARB will look for opportunities to strengthen the program to support more air quality co-benefits, including specific program design elements in the post-2020 Cap and Trade program.

The cumulative GHG reductions from these programs are shown in the figure below.

The first of three public hearings on the proposed plan will be held at the regularly scheduled Board meeting on January 27. CARB will hold workshops in February and hear an update at the February 16 Board meeting. The Final 2017 Scoping Plan Update will be released in late March and be considered for approval by the Board in late April.