This page last reviewed February 27, 2013

Offset Project Operators

Background

Offset Project Operators (OPOs) may develop offset projects to achieve GHG reductions and removal enhancements in uncapped sources.  Offset Project Operators may also designate an Authorized Project Designee (APD) to develop the project and interact with ARB and Offset Project Registries.  Offset Project Operators and Authorized Project Designees must use ARB Compliance Offset Protocols to quantify GHG reductions and removal enhancements, monitor, report, and verify their offset projects.

Registration Requirements

Offset Project Operators and Authorized Project Designees are required to register in the Compliance Instrument Tracking System Service (CITSS) before listing offset projects.  Information on how to register can be found on the CITSS web page: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/markettrackingsystem/markettrackingsystem.htm

• Guidance for CITSS Registration for Offset Project Operators and Authorized Project Designees
  

Approved ARB Compliance Offset Protocols

OPOs and APDs must develop offset projects using an ARB-approved Compliance Offset Protocol.  ARB has approved four Compliance Offset Protocols for use in generating ARB offset credits.

• U.S. Forest Projects Compliance Offset Protocol 
• Urban Forest Projects Compliance Offset Protocol 
• Livestock Projects Compliance Offset Protocol 
• Ozone Depleting Substances Compliance Offset Protocol

Offset Program Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

ARB has developed general guidance on the compliance offset program which includes a description of the requirements that OPOs and APDs must meet under the Regulation.  

• ARB Instructional Guidance Document

Relevant Forms for OPOs and APDs

To be issued ARB offset credits, OPOs and APDs will need to submit information for listing, reporting, and issuance of offset credits.  ARB will make forms available on the Compliance Offset Program Forms web page for ease of submitting these types of information.  They can be also accessed on the web page of each Offset Project Registry.