California continues streak of slashing climate pollution while growing economy

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Sep 20, 2024

What you need to know: A new report shows California greenhouse gas emissions declined across most sectors in 2022 - and declined a whopping 20% since 2000. The decrease in emissions took place even as the state's economic dominance continued.

SACRAMENTO - Greenhouse gas emissions in California dropped yet again in 2022, continuing a big drop that has now totaled 20% since 2000. This is the lowest level of greenhouse gas emissions in recent history, aside from the pandemic-caused dip in 2020.

A report released today for 2022 greenhouse gas emissions shows a 2.4% drop from 2021 to 2022 that is the equivalent of removing more than 2.2 million gasoline-powered cars off California's roads for one year.

California is proving that climate action goes hand-in-hand with economic growth. We've slashed carbon pollution by a whopping 20% since the turn of the century all while building the world's fifth largest economy. Cleaner air, more good jobs - that's the California way.

Governor Gavin Newsom

The biggest drop came from transportation, due largely to the increased use of renewable fuels in addition to the growing strength of the zero-emission vehicle market. The electricity sector had its lowest carbon intensity since 2000. Five out of seven sectors tracked had drops which reduced total emissions by 9.3 million metric tons.

"The numbers are clear: our world-leading regulations are reducing emissions, spurring innovation, and bringing us closer to achieving our climate goals," said California Air Resources Board Chair Liane Randolph. "A future with clean air and a vibrant economy is possible and California is leading the way."

The latest data underscores a continued trend of steady emissions decline even as the economy continues to grow. Between 2000 to 2022, emissions fell by 20% while California's gross domestic product increased by 78%, pointing to the effectiveness of the state's climate action. California has decreased the carbon intensity of its economy by 55% in the last 20 years.

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