Data Source: Data Source: California Air Resources Board, California Greenhouse Gas Inventory - by Economic Sector and Activity
Analysis by CEC Economics
Highlight
- Every sector has cut their emissions since 2006—except for the commercial sector in which emissions were 42.9% (or 7.0 MMTCO2e) higher in 2022 relative to 2006. Emissions from substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (SODs) are a primary reason, along with increases in fuel combustion across various commercial sectors as pandemic restrictions eased and commercial activity increased. The electric power (imports) sector took the lead with the most substantial decrease since 2006 with 68.0% (-37.2 MMTCO2e) and emissions from the electric power (in-state) sector fell by 15.4% (-7.7 MMTCO2e). In the transportation sector, emissions fell by 23.6% (-44.3 MMTCO2e), while the industrial sector also saw a notable reduction of 18.0% (-18.4 MMTCO2e). Meanwhile, emissions from the agriculture sector fell by 13.6% (-4.7 MMTCO2e) and the residential sector saw a small decrease of 0.3%(-0.1 MMTCO2e).
Challenge
- As the grid becomes cleaner, further emissions cuts in the electric sector may become more difficult, making the work to reduce other sectors all the more critical. However, California has not been as successful at decarbonizing the other sectors compared to the electric power sector. State officials have implemented new policies aimed at further reducing emissions. Notably, the state will discontinue the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, while establishing a more rigorous low-carbon fuel standard and streamlining the siting and permitting processes for renewable energy projects.9
9 CalMatters. Slashing greenhouse gases: California revises climate change strategy. November 16, 2022. Accessed October 1, 2024. Available at: https://calmatters.org/environment/2022/11/california-revises-climate-change-plan/
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