California will continue its key climate program but critics say it's being weakened

A 10-3 vote by the California Air Resources Board sets how aggressively California will cut greenhouse gas emissions and how billions in auction revenue will be distributed statewide. Cap-and-invest, launched in 2013, requires major polluters to pay via auctions and allowances, funding public transit, wildfire prevention, affordable housing, clean energy, electric vehicles, and safe drinking water. The emissions cap declines annually to reduce total emissions and support goals including 100% carbon neutrality by 2045. The legislature extended the program through 2045, while CARB revised the plan after feedback from oil and gas companies, environmental groups, lobbyists, and lawmakers. Industry groups warned that overly rapid tightening could push refineries out and raise energy costs, while environmentalists argued concessions to fossil fuel interests would undermine emissions reductions aligned with scientific climate pathways. The final proposal drew more than 1,000 written comments.

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