Cap-and-Invest proposal fails to meet California 2030 emissions reduction requirements

“Cap-and-Invest is the essential centerpiece of California’s climate policy but this is not a credible proposal to update the program. It fails to do the bare minimum needed to meet California’s pollution reduction targets for 2030. CARB must urgently fix its proposal so the Board can vote this spring on a viable framework to meet pollution reduction requirements in state law while delivering affordability benefits to families on a budget.

“While CARB weakens its proposal, modeling shows an even more ambitious approach than CARB’s initial proposal is actually what provides California with a clear path for better, more balanced results. Cap-and-Invest program updates that reduce the pollution cap by 180 million tons by 2030 would deliver $2.8 billion in affordability benefits for families earning $70,000 or less and $1.4 billion more to invest in climate solutions by 2045 — a clear win for households while actually meeting the moment on climate.

“When extending the program last year, lawmakers required Cap-and-Invest, at a minimum, to align with the achievement of California’s pollution reduction targets for 2030 and 2045. CARB must follow this directive. We look forward to working with the Board to ensure this important program complies with the law by both delivering sufficient cost-effective emission reductions and household affordability benefits.”

• Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California Senior Director, Environmental Defense Fund