Carbon Neutrality Studies 

Independent transportation fossil fuel studies identify potential paths for California to reach 2045 goal 

 

Two independent studies identify strategies to support California’s goal to dramatically reduce transportation fossil fuel demand and supply by 2045.

Latest Update: (4/21/21)
CalEPA contracted with the University of California Institute of Transportation Studies
 (ITS) on the demand-side study, “Driving California’s Transportation Emissions to Zero,” and with UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) on the supply-side study, “Enhancing Equity While Eliminating Emissions in California’s Supply of Transportation Fuels.” 

Both studies look at greenhouse gas emission (GHG) impacts of specific policy options; use equity and protection of public health as guiding principles; and consider workforce impacts. The studies will inform decisions by policymakers, regulators and others regarding California’s path to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. 

California was the first state to call for 100% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales by 2035 in Executive Order N-79-20. Along with the recently released ZEV Market Development Strategy from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, these studies will help shape California’s approach to tackling the climate crisis. Specifically, both studies provide critical input into the state’s top priorities: climate, health, equity and jobs. 

The studies will be considered as the California Air Resources Board launches an update to the AB 32 Climate Change Scoping Plan, a plan for achieving California’s carbon neutrality target, and as the California Geologic Energy Management Division updates its public health and safety protections for communities near oil and gas operations. 

The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency will address potential labor and economic opportunities and challenges identified in the studies in designing the Just Transition roadmap called for in the Governor’s executive order. The Roadmap will point the way to a high road economic future for workers and communities that rely heavily on fossil fuel industries, as well as those most impacted by the climate crisis.