Ahead of Climate Week NYC this year, we sat down with Chair Liane M Randolph of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to discuss California's leadership on transport decarbonisation and what Chair Randolph hopes comes out of this year's event.
Chair Randolph will be speaking on our 'Just bumps in the road? – how can leadership in EVs smooth the transition to clean transport' panel at this year's Climate Week NYC.
Can you outline some of the policy approaches California has taken around transport decarbonisation recently? Have you shared ideas with other States or subnational governments?
California has ambitious goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, and the transportation sector – which is responsible for half of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and more than 80 percent for other harmful pollutants – is essential to achieving our climate and air quality targets. For decades, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which I chair, has passed groundbreaking regulations that have pushed the transportation sector toward cleaner technology that has cut down on harmful emissions and pollutants. As technology has advanced, it is now clear that a zero-emissions future is within reach, and we have spent much of the last three years putting together a roadmap on how to make it a reality. First, in 2022, we passed what is called a scoping plan, a document that lays out sector-by-sector goals and programs that will cut demand for petroleum by 94%. In order to give that vision teeth, we also passed several first-in-the-world regulations that provide a phased-in approach to achieve our zero-emissions goals. For light-duty vehicles, Advanced Clean Cars II annually ramps up manufacturer requirements for the sale of zero-emissions vehicles to reach 100% by 2035. Advanced Clean Trucks does the same for the medium- and heavy-duty sector by 2036. Given the importance of reducing pollution for overburdened communities that live near sources of truck pollution like highways, ports and warehouses, we also passed a rule that requires truck owners and operators in the state to deploy zero-emission vehicles, known as Advanced Clean Fleets. In a short time, we have moved from policy vision to implementation, with some early successes that make it clear that the zero-emissions future is underway. California has reached its zero-emission truck sales goal two years ahead of schedule. Nearly 2 million zero-emission vehicles have been sold in California – also ahead of targets - and clean cars represent more than 25% of car sales. California is a clear example that the market is ready to step up to climate urgency and clean air action.
California is proud of its climate leadership, but we also know we can’t win this battle on our own. Under the Clean Air Act, other states are allowed to adopt California’s more stringent emissions standards, and 10 have done so for truck regulations and 17 for light-duty vehicles. We are also part of several entities that are organizing at an international scale to share best practices and create partnerships for zero-emissions transportation.
What data are your team collecting as the transition advances? How do these data points feed into future work to ensure the transition is as smooth, swift and equitable as possible?
California has very clear climate targets, and we use data to track progress on reaching those goals and make necessary adjustments as needed. We track progress on emission-reduction targets, including for the transportation sector. We do annual reporting on zero-emission truck sales, which for two years in a row have exceeded goals and now represent 1 out of 6 trucks sold in the state. We also track compliance with light-duty vehicle requirements. The data is used for multiple purposes at CARB, including for enforcement and policy amendments, and also to guide other program decisions. For example, California has recently shifted the focus of its successful rebate program toward low-income residents who need the boost to get into zero-emission vehicles so that no one is left behind a clean air future. The strength of the zero-emission market reflected in strong sales figures indicates that consumers are making the proactive choice toward cleaner options, allowing us to focus on equitable access.
How important is partnership working when advancing the transition? Who’ve California partnered with, other governments or public bodies, or maybe even businesses?
In addition to our collaborations with other states and international entities, our other important partners are the industries we regulate. For example, we entered into a Clean Truck Partnership with the nation’s leading manufacturers to advance the sale of zero-emission vehicles and address air quality goals. We have similar partnerships with light-duty vehicle manufacturers that have also resulted in infrastructure investments. Everyone has a role to play in advancing solutions and actions, and CARB has been proud to serve as a leader and convener to launch those partnerships.
I know you’ve been an active participant at Climate Week in the past, so how important is it to come together in this way? What have you been inspired by over the years, and what offers you hope? Finally, what would you like to leave this year’s event having heard, seen and accomplished?
It is so valuable to get climate leaders together to discuss best practices, renew urgency and commitment, and expand on further action that can be taken. Events such as Climate Week makes those conversations and collaborations possible.
Climate Week has also served as an important platform to announce groundbreaking partnerships and ensure we keep the momentum moving forward. For example, California announced the launch of a subnational methane action initiative during last year’s Climate Week in partnership with seven founding international partners to tackle this dangerous pollutant, which has 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide. Last year Governor Newsom also announced a lawsuit against oil companies to hold them accountable for the environmental damage done to the state. Using the national and international spotlight of events like Climate Week, we can raise awareness about the issues and solutions to a wider audience.
Collaboration is such a powerful took that California has even embedded it into its foundational climate action legislation, known as AB 32, which promotes partnerships outside of the state to find the most effective climate-fighting solutions. Pollution and climate change know no boundaries, and the importance of collaboration is evidenced in how California does its work.
