Economic Sectors Portal
This page last reviewed March 4, 2013
The Air
Resources Board (ARB) is working on reducing
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from
multiple sectors of California’s economy,
as part of the implementation
of AB 32,
the Global Warming Solutions Act. Grouping these GHG
sources into major
“economic sectors” allows ARB to better define, organize, and control
them. This page contains information regarding sector control
measures, reduction strategies, working groups, protocols
and other pertinent information. These activities are a
continuing process so this page will be updated and hyperlinked as new
information becomes available.
Agriculture:
The agriculture sector includes on-farm GHG emissions from animals and from crop management. On-farm sources include GHGs from animal wastes, energy use, crop residue burning, livestock, soil management practices, and anaerobic decomposition of organic matter. Follow the links below for more detailed information.
Energy:
The energy sector includes two overarching strategies for obtaining GHG reductions from electricity and natural gas that reduce energy use, and supply-side strategies that lower GHG emissions associated with electricity generation. Energy efficiency will be California’s most effective tool for achieving GHG reductions and has made strong commitments to renewable energy. Follow the links below for more detailed information.
- Energy Activities Portal
- Energy Subgroup of the Climate Action Team (CAT)
- Water-Energy (WET-CAT) Subgroup of the CAT
- Renewable Electricity Standard
- Renewables & Energy Efficiency
- Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Systems
- Energy Efficiency & Co-Benefits Audits for Large Industrial Sources
- Smart Grid Rulemaking
- SF6 reductions in the Electricity Sector
Forests:
California’s forests play a critical role in the State’s carbon balance, with the unique capacity to remove CO2 from the air and store it long-term as carbon. The forest sector is the only sector that provides a net removal of GHGs. Below you can find more information related to forest protocols and work groups.
High Global Warming Potential (GWP):
This sector consists of a broad range of sources that emit GHGs that have hundreds to thousands of times the climate impact as CO2. High global warming potential substances are largely used as refrigerants in stationary and mobile source air conditioning and refrigeration. However, high GWP gases are also used as foam-blowing agents, in electrical transmission, as fire suppressants, and in various consumer products. Follow the links below for more detailed information.
- Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Protocol
- HFC-134a Small Cans Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning (AC)
- AC Leak Tightness Test / Repair for Smog Check
- Low-GWP for New Motor Vehicle AC
- Stationary Refrigerant Program
- Consumer Products
- SF6 Reduction in Non-Electric Sector
- Fire Protection Systems
- Commercial Refrigeration Specifications
- Residential Refrigeration Program
- Foam Recovery / Destruction Program
- SF6 reductions in the Electricity Sector
- Non-CO2 GHG Research Clearinghouse
Local Initiatives and Land Use:
State, regional, local, and non-governmental stakeholders must work together to prioritize and create policies, programs, incentives, guidance, and funding to assist local actions to help meet California’s climate change goals. These will be developed on an ongoing basis. Currently, there are many supporting agencies and programs available to assist local governments in their efforts to reduce GHGs. Below you will find various links to activities related to local actions.
- Local Government Actions
- Local Government Operation Protocol
- Land Use and Infrastructure Portal
- AB
32 and Small Businesses
- Land Use Subgroup of the CAT (LUSCAT)
- Urban Forest Protocol
- Strategic Growth Council
- Haagen-Smit Symposium (May 2008)
- Senate Bill 375 Implementation
- CEQA and Climate Change
- Regional Targets Advisory Committee (RTAC)
Industry and Manufacturing:
The industry and manufacturing sector covers a broad and diverse range of small and large industrial sources. Maintaining the economic health of California’s business and industry while continuing to reduce criteria, toxic, and GHG emissions is vitally important. Most emission reductions from the industrial sector will be realized through the cap-and-trade program which will include large industrial sources. Below you can find industrial GHG reduction activities.
Oil & Gas/Refining:
This sector is a subset of the industry sector. ARB is in the process of developing refinery and oil & gas measures. Below you can find GHG reduction activities related to oil & gas, refining and fuels.
Transportation:
The transportation sector is integral to the people and economy of California. To achieve GHG emission reduction goals, it is vital that we build on our past successes in reducing criteria and toxic air pollutants from transportation and goods movement activities. GHG emission reductions will come from cleaner vehicle technologies, lower-carbon fuels, and reduction of vehicle use or vehicle miles traveled. Follow the links below for more detailed information.
- Clean Car Regulation (Assembly Bill 1493 - Pavley)
- Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS)
- Low-Emission Vehicle Program (LEV III)
- Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Program
- Environmental Performance Label
- Cool Cars and Reflective Glazing
- Hybrid Requirements for Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles
- Heavy-Duty Vehicle GHG Regulation
- Tire Inflation Program
- Anti-Idling Enforcement
- Privately Owned On-Road Trucks
- Feebate Program for New Passenger Vehicles
Goods Movement:
Waste Management/Recycling:
This sector includes solid waste facilities, composting infrastructure, and recycling industries. When organic materials, construction materials and other municipal solid wastes are discarded, they end up in landfills. Increasing waste diversion from landfills and recycling materials will significantly reduce GHG emissions in California. Furthermore, use of composted organic materials provides additional benefits. Follow the links below for more detailed information.
- Mandatory Commercial Recycling
- Recycling and Waste Management Subgroup of the CAT
- Landfill Methane Control Measure
- Technologies and Management Practices for Landfills
- Tool for Estimating Landfill Emissions
- Compost Emissions Working Group
- Anaerobic Digestion - Conversion Technology
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
- Life Cycle Assessment of Diversion Alternatives
- Compost Production and Markets
Water:
Water use requires significant amounts of energy. Approximately one-fifth of the electricity and one-third of the non-power plant natural gas consumed in the state are associated with water delivery, treatment and use. The water sector targets reducing energy requirements associated with providing reliable water supplies and reducing the amount of non-renewable electricity associated with conveying and treating water. Other activities focus on providing sustainable funding for implementing these actions. Follow the links below for more detailed information.
- Water Use Efficiency
- Water Recycling
- Water System Energy Efficiency
- Reuse Urban Runoff
- Increase Renewable Energy Production
- Public Goods Charge for Water
- Landscape Irrigation Efficiency Standards



