The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 designates the State Air Resources Board as the state agency charged with monitoring and regulating sources of emissions of greenhouse gases. The act requires the state board to consult with other states, the federal government, and other nations to identify the most effective strategies and methods to reduce greenhouse gases, manage greenhouse gas control programs, and facilitate the development of integrated and cost-effective regional, national, and international greenhouse gas reduction programs.
The act also requires the state board to adopt rules and regulations to achieve the maximum technologically feasible and cost-effective greenhouse gas emissions reductions to ensure that the statewide greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to at least 40% below the statewide greenhouse gas emissions limit, as defined, no later than December 31, 2030.
This bill would require the state board, on or before July 1, 2024, to develop a plan, consistent with federal law, to reduce aviation greenhouse gas emissions and help the state reach its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, including a sustainable fuels target for the aviation sector of at least 20% by 2030. Contingent upon an appropriation, the bill would require the state board, on or before July 1, 2024, to commence implementation of the plan to achieve these goals.
This bill would require the state board, in developing the plan, to, among other things, closely examine the shortfalls that exist in state greenhouse gas emissions policy frameworks with respect to incentives for sustainable aviation fuel and in support of the decarbonization of the aviation sector and to seek to address those shortfalls by assessing new incentives, as provided. The bill would require the state board to include in the plan specified elements, including, but not limited to, an evaluation of barriers and possible solutions to increasing sustainable aviation fuel production levels, actions that can be taken by the state to ensure that the state's policy incentives for sustainable aviation fuel are comparable to those provided to renewable diesel and other on-road fuels, and tools for increasing the state's sustainable aviation fuel supply and demand. The bill would also require the state board to consult with designated state agencies and encourage the state board to consult with designated stakeholders, including, but not limited to, commercial airports, aircraft and engine manufacturers, and aviation infrastructure providers, regarding development of the plan, on or before July 1, 2023.