World-leading economy and climate solutions: California’s emissions drop in 2023, driven by clean transportation
What you need to know: As leaders from throughout the world head to COP in Brazil, California will arrive with real results, with the latest data showing California’s climate programs continuing to push statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions down while the state’s economy grows. This progress highlights the need to maintain the state’s forward momentum on climate solutions, despite an unprecedented federal assault on the state’s clean air efforts.
SACRAMENTO – Ahead of his trip to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), Governor Newsom announced today that California’s programs to decrease greenhouse gas emissions are working. While California’s emissions go down, its economy continues to expand. Today, the state released data through the California GHG Emissions Inventory showing a 3% drop in statewide emissions in 2023 — the third-largest annual percentage decrease since tracking began in 2000. The decrease is equivalent to removing more than 2.6 million gasoline-powered cars from California’s roads for one year.
Over the total period since 2000, greenhouse gas emissions in California went down by 21% — even as the state’s economy increased 81% in that same time period. California has reached this progress, despite Republican and industry attacks on the state’s efforts.
In California, we know that a healthy, clean climate and thriving economy aren’t zero-sum games. We can excel at both. California leads the way with innovative solutions that help advance our economic interests and keep our air clean. While the Trump administration cuddles up to big oil and foreign interests, California will continue standing strong for our children’s futures and a strong economy that benefits us all — not just Trump donors. California continues to lead the way — it’s time for the rest of the nation to follow.
Governor Gavin Newsom
“Today’s milestone once again confirms that bold climate action can deliver real results,” said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. “California’s climate pollution is falling even as our economy grows — a powerful testament to the strength of our programs, innovation in clean technology, and the commitment of communities across the state. We’re not just investing in a healthier future, we’re actively building it.”
The 21% emissions decrease since 2000 is equivalent to removing the annual emissions from 22.9 million cars. The latest data underscores a continued trend of steady emissions decline even as the economy continues to grow.
“The latest data show that science-driven policy and innovation are moving California closer to our climate goals,” said California Environmental Protection Secretary Yana Garcia. “Emissions are down; cleaner trucks are on the road and communities are breathing healthier air. Access to reliable data isn’t just the foundation of progress. It’s how we hold ourselves accountable and make smart choices for the future. As the Trump Administration moves to weaken national emissions reporting, California will continue to lead with transparency, integrity and results.”
California’s climate leadership
California stands as a world leader in addressing the climate crisis. The climate crisis transcends every border and boundary, and does not recognize partisan lines. Extreme weather will continue to threaten lives. California is leading the charge, taking decisive action and creating strong results to help ensure a healthier future for all.
In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the state continues to set clean energy records. California was powered by two-thirds clean energy in 2023, the latest year for which data is available — and is the largest economy in the world to achieve this level of clean energy. The state has run on 100% clean electricity for some part of the day almost every day this year.
Recently, California announced record-breaking sales of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV). Consumer demand for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) is surging, even despite federal attempts to derail the Golden State’s pursuit of a 100% clean energy future, with a record 29.1% of all new cars purchased in the third quarter of 2025 were ZEVs.
Highlights from today’s report
- Emissions from cars and light-duty pickup trucks reached an all-time low as fossil fuel use continued to fall. This drop occurred despite a 1% increase in vehicle miles travelled. Emissions from the state’s heavy-duty diesel vehicles also declined.
- California has decreased the carbon intensity of its economy by 57% since 2000.
- The electricity sector had its lowest carbon intensity since 2000. Wind and solar represent over 30 % of generation and in-state solar increased by 8 % from 2022, driven by requirements under the state’s Cap-and-Invest Program (formerly known as Cap-and-Trade) and the Renewables Portfolio Standard.
- Industrial sector emissions declined by 5 % due to reductions from refineries, oil and gas extraction, cement manufacturing, cogeneration facilities, and other fossil-fuel use.
- Livestock emissions, which are responsible for 71% of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions, peaked in 2012 and continued to decline in 2023. The decrease is driven by use of methane digesters at dairies funded by Cap-and-Invest auction money and incentivized by the Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
- The residential and commercial sector had a rise in emissions, largely because of an increase in residential fossil gas use which was likely due to a colder winter in 2023.
An early estimate of 2024 data, based primarily on reported and third-party verified data for the state’s largest emitters, shows that emission reductions will continue to trend downward. The 2024 inventory data is not yet final and will not be released until 2026 once all data sources are updated and incorporated.
About the inventory
The statewide inventory relies on data from the Mandatory Reporting Regulation, which counts emissions and reductions from about 80% of California’s sources of human-caused climate emissions. It uses data from other state and local agencies to round out that picture.
The announced plans to end federal monitoring of greenhouse gases will not affect California’s inventory.
Standing up for science, creating strong climate solutions
Illegal federal attempts to derail California’s clean vehicle standards will have some impact on the state’s ability to reduce the negative health and environmental impacts of climate change. But California remains committed to addressing harmful pollution and the impacts of climate change. This includes:
- Moving forward on the next round of light-duty vehicle emissions standards for the 2030s and beyond. A workshop was held on October 21.
- Amending the state’s Cap-and-Invest Program to help achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. A workshop was held on October 29.
- Formalizing rules for carbon management. A nationwide list of carbon capture, utilization, and storage projects was posted last month and rulemaking is expected to be finalized next year.
- Updating the Landfill Methane Regulation to reduce emissions from solid waste landfills. The Board will consider adopting the amendments on November 20.
- Finalizing rules for corporate emissions reporting, which requires companies to publish biennial climate-related financial risk reports. The Board is expected to consider an initial rulemaking early next year.