FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2022
Contact: Brandon Dawson, brandon.dawson@sierraclub.org
California Air Resources Board Releases Final Scoping Plan Proposal
Sacramento, CA - Today, the California Air Resources Board released its updated 2022 Scoping Plan proposal. The update reflects the July comments from Governor Newsom to strengthen the plan, recent legislation that codified a statewide carbon neutrality goal by 2045, and direction from the Board. The updated plan is a significant improvement from the May Draft, which was widely criticized by Sierra Club California and other environmental and environmental justice organizations for its lack of ambition in a critical moment for climate action.
The Scoping Plan, mandated by Assembly Bill 32 (Nunez, 2006), lays out California’s strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across every sector, and is updated every five years. The 2022 Scoping Plan must be finalized and approved by CARB by the end of this year.
The updated Scoping Plan now calls for no new methane gas power plants, a 30 million metric ton greenhouse gas emission target for the electric sector by 2035, expanded deployment of offshore wind and climate-friendly homes and buildings, further reductions of vehicle miles traveled, and a multi-agency task force for equitably phasing down oil refining in California. These changes came after dedicated advocacy from frontline communities and Sierra Club California.
However, the updated Scoping Plan expands its already-heavy reliance on Carbon Capture and Sequestration, as well as Mechanical Carbon Removal, which could allow for the continued operation of fossil fuel power plants and refineries in frontline communities.
Statement from Brandon Dawson, Sierra Club California Director:
“The updated Scoping Plan is a big improvement from the original plan released in May. The Plan now calls for expanded renewable energy, cleaner homes and buildings, no new gas plants and a 2035 emission goal for the electric sector as a whole.
“In implementing the Scoping Plan, CARB and other state agencies must prioritize direct emissions reductions and the retirement of power plants and refineries in frontline communities. CARB must avoid false climate solutions and look for opportunities to transition away from all combustion technologies even more rapidly. The Plan offers California a unique opportunity to improve the state’s air quality and preserve its public health. We urge CARB to seize on this opportunity and further bolster California’s reputation as a climate leader.”
Sierra Club California is the legislative and regulatory arm of Sierra Club’s 13 local chapters in California, representing half a million members and supporters.