Climate Policy in California
California’s Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, or AB-32, requires the state to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. SB-32 was enacted in 2016, extending the requirement to achieve a reduction in GHG emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.
Highlights
Featured Content
- Highlights
- Publications
- Events
- Editorial
- News
Resources Magazine — Oct 4, 2023
California’s Cap-and-Trade Program and Improvements in Local Air Quality
Although sometimes at odds, economic efficiency and environmental justice can coexist in effective, viable climate policy. Thoughtful policy design can help ensure that environmental benefits accrue in communities that need them the most.
Resources Magazine — Oct 4, 2023
Supporter Spotlight: Creating Policy with Good Thinking and Social Stakeholders
In this Supporter Spotlight feature, Dallas Burtraw talks about the importance of global climate coordination, speaking the language of policymakers, the value of flexible funds for researchers, and more.
Media Highlight — Aug 23, 2023
POLITICO: "There's a Run on Carbon Credits. That's Good News for the Budget."
A segment in POLITICO's new California Climate newsletter quotes RFF Senior Fellow Dallas Burtraw regarding the state's recent auction of greenhouse gas permits.
Explainer — Sep 30, 2020
Carbon Pricing 301: Advanced Topics in Carbon Pricing in the Electricity Sector
Carbon Pricing 301: Advanced Topics in Carbon Pricing in the Electricity Sector
Explainer — Sep 30, 2020
Carbon Pricing 301: Advanced Topics in Carbon Pricing in the Electricity Sector
Carbon Pricing 301: Advanced Topics in Carbon Pricing in the Electricity Sector
Working Paper — Nov 20, 2019
California’s Evolving Zero Emission Vehicle Program: Pulling New Technology into the Market
California’s Evolving Zero Emission Vehicle Program: Pulling New Technology into the Market
Testimony and Public Comments — Oct 24, 2019
Comments on the Use of Renewable Energy Credits to Determine the Fuel Mix and GHG-Intensity of Power
Comments on the Use of Renewable Energy Credits to Determine the Fuel Mix and GHG-Intensity of Power
Report — Apr 23, 2019
The Response of Market and Policy Design to Increasing Shares of Renewables in California and Germany
Read about lessons learned from two leading jurisdictions in transforming electricity systems to accommodate the integration of renewables.
Workshops — Dec 3, 2018
New Research Questions on Electricity, Transportation, and Carbon Markets: What Stands in the Way Becomes the Way
New Research Questions on Electricity, Transportation, and Carbon Markets: What Stands in the Way Becomes the Way
Workshops — Jan 23, 2018
California’s Climate Action: Leadership from the States
California’s Climate Action: Leadership from the States
Webinar — Jul 18, 2017
The Future of California’s Cap-and-Trade Program: Policy Choices and Implications for Cross-Border Linkage
The Future of California’s Cap-and-Trade Program: Policy Choices and Implications for Cross-Border Linkage
Workshops — Feb 25, 2015
Assessing Progress under California’s AB 32 Cap-and-Trade Program
Assessing Progress under California’s AB 32 Cap-and-Trade Program
Resources Magazine — Oct 4, 2023
California’s Cap-and-Trade Program and Improvements in Local Air Quality
Although sometimes at odds, economic efficiency and environmental justice can coexist in effective, viable climate policy. Thoughtful policy design can help ensure that environmental benefits accrue in communities that need them the most.
Resources Magazine — Oct 4, 2023
Supporter Spotlight: Creating Policy with Good Thinking and Social Stakeholders
In this Supporter Spotlight feature, Dallas Burtraw talks about the importance of global climate coordination, speaking the language of policymakers, the value of flexible funds for researchers, and more.
Common Resources — Feb 5, 2020
Environmental Repercussions of Rideshares
New research from an RFF scholar investigates how ridesharing affects different cities, offering insights for policymakers who have concerns about environmental impacts.
Common Resources — Dec 2, 2019
The California ZEV Program: A Long and Bumpy Road, but Finally Some Success
A history of California's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program, in three separate phases of the program's evolution.
Media Highlight — Aug 23, 2023
POLITICO: "There's a Run on Carbon Credits. That's Good News for the Budget."
A segment in POLITICO's new California Climate newsletter quotes RFF Senior Fellow Dallas Burtraw regarding the state's recent auction of greenhouse gas permits.
Press Release — Feb 4, 2020
New Episode of Resources Radio: "Extra! Extra! Listen All About It: A Conversation with Energy and Climate Journalist Amy Harder"
With accurate coverage of climate change more important than ever, Axios reporter Amy Harder elaborates on the crucial role of unbiased journalism.
Press Release — Nov 26, 2019
New Episode of Resources Radio: “Waive Goodbye? The History and Future of the California Waiver, with Emily Wimberger”
Emily Wimberger provides an overview of the California waiver, and what it would mean for state and national environmental policy if it were revoked.
Media Highlight — Mar 20, 2019
As Carbon Pricing Proposals Multiply, What's the Right Carbon Price?
As Carbon Pricing Proposals Multiply, What's the Right Carbon Price?