Greenhouse gas emissions in California decreased again in 2022, marking a total reduction of 20% since 2000. This represents the lowest level of greenhouse gas emissions in recent history, excluding the dip caused by the pandemic in 2020.
A report released today for 2022 greenhouse gas emissions indicates a 2.4% drop from 2021 to 2022. This decrease is equivalent to removing more than 2.2 million gasoline-powered cars off California’s roads for one year.
Governor Gavin Newsom stated, “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.”
The transportation sector saw the most significant reduction due to increased use of renewable fuels and the growing market for zero-emission vehicles. The electricity sector also reported its lowest carbon intensity since 2000. Five out of seven sectors tracked showed reductions, cutting 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.”
Data highlights a continued trend of declining emissions even as the state’s economy grows. From 2000 to 2022, emissions fell by 20%, while California’s gross domestic product rose by 78%. The state has reduced its carbon intensity by 55% over this period.
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