Carbon Accountable Unveils CA SB 253: A Regulations Roadmap, Demonstrates Feasibility of 2026 Implementation

Detailed map to achieving an on-schedule 2026 implementation

Today Carbon Accountable released the “CA SB 253: A Regulations Roadmap,” a detailed guide to an on-schedule implementation of the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (SB 253). The document identifies key policy principles and presents exemplar regulations. It clearly demonstrates the feasibility of adhering to the statutory timeline established by the law, and sharply challenges the rationale for the proposed two year delay by the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom for this critical climate law.

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SB 253 was designed to be fit for purpose. The Act was structured to minimize the burden on the California Air Resources Board (ARB) to develop regulations and support ongoing implementation, ensure streamlined reporting by companies, and provide access to readily available GHG emissions data for stakeholders.

Key Points of the CA SB 253: A Regulations Roadmap:

1. Feasibility of Timely Implementation: The Roadmap clearly demonstrates that the regulations can be adopted and enforced by 2026 without delay. After identifying a set of policy principles to inform the development of regulations and implementation activities, the brief sets forth exemplar regulations in line with these principles and illustrates that a feasible and timely path to implementation of the Act is eminently achievable.
2. Foundation in GHG Protocol Standard: Recognized globally as the gold standard, the GHG Protocol provides a consistent and reliable framework for mandatory and voluntary reporting. This alignment streamlines compliance, reduces complexity for all parties, and facilitates seamless integration with other international reporting requirements that companies face today.
3. Commitment to Transparency and Simplicity: The Roadmap emphasizes the importance of simplicity in the implementation process. By contracting with an existing corporate GHG emissions reporting organization and mirroring practices in other jurisdictions, the ARB can leverage existing infrastructure and expertise, avoiding unnecessary investments and ensuring open access to emissions data for consumers and stakeholders.
4. Minimizing Compliance Burden: Provisions in the Act, as highlighted in the roadmap, focus on reducing duplication of efforts for reporting companies. By allowing for multiple reporting formats and simplifying assurance requirements, the roadmap highlights the fact that companies can comply without facing excessive regulatory burdens.

Catherine Atkin, Esq., the lead author of the Roadmap, stated, "This report clearly shows that the Governor's Office - with its request for a two year delay for implementing the law - grossly overstates the work required by the ARB to develop the necessary regulations and prepare for timely reporting. We are out of time, we have to move with the urgency that the climate crisis demands.”

Michael Schmitz, Esq., co-author, added, "There’s no need to start from scratch. SB 253 was designed to be fit for purpose. Building a world class reporting regime does not mean starting from square zero or creating unnecessary work for companies. It means building upon what is already working and getting results as quickly as possible. Clear, transparent, actionable data to help inform climate action.”

About Carbon Accountable

Carbon Accountable was launched in 2020 to design and advance GHG data transparency and accountability policies to catalyze climate action and drive the development of the climate economy. The California-based mandatory corporate GHG emissions disclosure proposal developed by Carbon Accountable became California Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (SB 253) authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-11). Carbon Accountable acted as a bill co-sponsor and the main legal and technical advisor on the bill since its first introduction in January 2021.

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