This page last reviewed March 27, 2013

Offset Verification Program

Background

AB 32 requires regulatory verification of all GHG reductions and removal enhancements used for compliance in the Cap-and-Trade Program.  The Cap-and-Trade Regulation includes requirements that verification bodies and offset verifiers must meet to be accredited by ARB to conduct regulatory verification.  The Regulation also requires verification bodies and offset verifiers to complete ARB training and demonstrate competency, through examinations, in ARB’s Compliance Offset Program and Compliance Offset Protocols.

List of ARB-Accredited Offset Verification Bodies and Offset Verifiers

An Offset Project Operator or Authorized Project Designee must obtain the services of an ARB-accredited verification body to perform offset verification services.  A list of accredited verification bodies and offset verifiers can be found at the link below.

• Accredited Offset Verifiers
• Accredited Verification Bodies

Notice of Offset Verification Services (NOVS) and Conflict of Interest (COI)

Before offset verification services may begin the verification body must submit information for a NOVS to ARB and the applicable Offset Project Registry with which the project is listed.

In addition, the verification body must submit information for a Conflict of Interest Self-evaluation to the applicable Offset Project Registry with which the project is listed.  The Offset Project Registry must approve the conflict of interest.  

Forms to assist with reporting this information are available on the Compliance Offset Program Forms web page.  They can also be accessed on the web page of each Offset Project Registry.

Offset Verification Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

ARB has developed general guidance on the offset verification program.  In addition, ARB will develop Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that will be continuously updated as answers to specific questions are established.  FAQs will be developed for offset verification related issues in general, as well as specifically for each Compliance Offset Protocol.

• Coming Soon! -- General Verification Guidance
• Coming Soon! -- FAQs on General Verification

Other Offset Verification Related Forms

To conduct offset verification services, offset verification bodies and offset verifiers will need to submit information during verification activities, including NOVS, COI, and Offset Verification Statements.  ARB will make forms related to the offset program, including verification related forms, available on the Compliance Offset Program Forms web page.  They can also be accessed on the web page of each Offset Project Registry.

Application for Verification Bodies and Offset Verifiers

Offset verification bodies and offset verifiers must be accredited by ARB to perform verification for compliance offset projects.  To become accredited, potential verification bodies and offset verifiers must submit an application and meet the requirements for education and experience as defined in section 95132 of the Mandatory Reporting Regulation.

• The applications below must be completed and submitted to ARB to begin the Verifier and/or Verification Body accreditation process.  If the Verifier applicant satisfies all the requirements of the regulation, they will be notified of the dates and times of approved ARB Compliance Offset Program and Compliance Offset Protocol training classes.  Upon successful completion of training, the Verifier may be accredited by the Executive Officer.  Once Verifiers are accredited and the Verification Body meets the minimum staffing requirements of the regulation, the Verification Body may be accredited by the Executive Officer.
•  Offset Verification Body Application
•  Offset Verifier Application

Offset Verifier Training

ARB and its contracted trainer Future Perfect offered four offset verifier training sesions durng the summer of 2012.  The next training session is scheduled for April 22-26, 2013, in Sacramento.  Please contact Stephen Shelby (916-327-8228) for more information about ARB's offset verifier training.