Programs

CalEPA oversees and enforces a wide range of programs that protect the environment, and the people of California from exposure to toxic chemicals and pollutants. CalEPA is also a leader in promoting innovative technologies and scientific research that focuses on solutions.

Awards
CalEPA and its office, boards, and departments, recognize agencies, local governments, small businesses, and individuals for their outstanding achievements in environmental protection. Award programs detailed on this page.

Border Affairs –– Programa de Asuntos Fronterizos
The CalEPA Border Affairs Program works to ensure a cleaner, safer, healthier and more prosperous border region.  |  El Programa de Asuntos Fronterizos de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de California promueve la cooperación en programas ambientales para ayudar a garantizar una región fronteriza más limpia, segura, saludable y próspera. 

Cleanup
Portal for links to site cleanup, deed restriction orders and more. Find links to CalEPA, CalRecycle, DTSC and SWRCB cleanup programs.

Climate Change Action
Since the passage of AB 32 in 2006, California has been involved in groundbreaking climate action, setting ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets, and forming partnerships with other states and nations around the world to enact policy that addresses climate change. In 2016, California reduced its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels, reaching its 2020 greenhouse gas reduction target four years early. Emissions continue to decrease as California works toward achieving its greenhouse gas reduction targets of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045. Learn more about California’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors of the economy, including energy, transportation, waste and natural resources.

Emergency Response
The CalEPA Emergency Response Management Committee (ERMaC) coordinates preparedness for and responses to environmental emergencies in California under assigned statutory authorities. ERMaC is comprised of appointed representatives and alternates from each board, department and office and is chaired by an appointee of the Agency Secretary.

Enforcement
The goals of California’s environmental laws cannot be achieved without compliance. To achieve compliance, CalEPA uses many tools including education, inspection and enforcement. This site has information on who enforces California’s environmental laws, training opportunities, and enforcement guidance documents.

Environmental Justice — Justicia Ambiental
CalEPA and our boards, departments, and office accord the highest respect and value to every individual and community, by developing and conducting our public health and environmental protection programs, policies, and activities in a manner that promotes equity and affords fair treatment, accessibility, and protection for all Californians, regardless of race, age, culture, income, or geographic location.

Intergovernmental Relations
California has long been a leader in pioneering environmental solutions that provide economic benefits, spurring other governments to take similar actions. California shares its expertise with national and subnational governments around the world, allowing the state to maximize the benefits of its programs and policies and be a positive force for enhanced environmental efforts worldwide. The Intergovernmental Relations Program at the California Environmental Protection Agency facilitates the state’s intergovernmental relations.

Loans and Grants
CalEPA offers funding opportunities authorized by legislation to assist public and private entities in the safe and effective management of environmental protection. Use the list to access more detailed information about the individual loan and grant programs currently offered. Downloadable listing (PDF)

Refinery Safety
CalEPA formed an Interagency Task Force on Refinery Safety in August 2013. The Task Force membership includes ten state agencies, U.S. EPA, and local agencies from areas of the state that contain refineries. We will work collaboratively to achieve the highest possible level of safety for refinery workers and local communities, and prepare for and effectively respond to emergencies if they occur.

Tribal Relations
CalEPA and its Boards, Departments, and Office are committed to improving our communication and working relationships with California Native American Tribes. To achieve this goal, CalEPA adopted its Policy on Consultation with California Native American Tribes (PDF).

Unified Program
The Unified Program consolidates, coordinates, and makes consistent the administrative requirements, permits, inspections, and enforcement activities of six environmental and emergency response programs (Unified Program Fact Sheet, PDF). The state agencies responsible for these programs set the standards for their program while local governments implement the standards. CalEPA oversees the implementation of the program as a whole. The Unified Program is implemented at the local level by 83 government agencies certified by the Secretary of CalEPA.