AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MARCH 21, 2024
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2023–2024 REGULAR SESSION
98
Introduced by Assembly Member Petrie-Norris
February 16, 2024
An act to amend Section 38592 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to greenhouse gases.
Vote: majority Appropriation: no Fiscal committee: yes Local program: no
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST
The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 designates the State Air Resources Board as the state agency charged with monitoring and regulating sources of emissions of greenhouse gases. The act requires all state agencies to consider and implement strategies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Existing law defines “greenhouse gases” for purposes of the act to include specified gases including methane.
Existing law requires the state board to approve and begin implementing a comprehensive strategy to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants in the state, including to achieve a reduction in methane emissions of 40% below 2013 levels by 2030.
This bill would make nonsubstantive changes to this requirement. additionally require state agencies to prioritize strategies to reduce methane emissions, including emissions from imported natural gas, where feasible and cost effective. The bill would also require the state board, the Public Utilities Commission, and other relevant agencies to timely consider programs, or changes to existing programs, to reduce methane emissions, including emissions from imported natural gas.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
Section 38592 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
38592.
(a) Every state agency shall consider and implement strategies to reduce the agency’s greenhouse gas emissions.
(b) Every state agency shall prioritize strategies to reduce methane emissions, including emissions from imported natural gas, where feasible and cost effective.
(c) The state board, the Public Utilities Commission, and other relevant agencies shall timely consider programs, or changes to existing programs, to reduce methane emissions, including emissions from imported natural gas.
(d) This division does not relieve any person, entity, or public agency of the duty to comply with other applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations, including state air and water quality requirements, and other requirements for protecting public health or the environment.