Verification of GHG Emissions Data Reports
This page last modified March 25, 2013
The Regulation for the Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (reporting regulation or MRR) requires the independent verification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data reports. Verification questions may be sent to ghgverify@arb.ca.gov. Information about the Offset Verification Program is provided at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/offsets/offsets.htm.
Background
The reporting regulation was developed under the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Statutes of 2006; Chapter 488; Health and Safety Code sections 38500 et seq.) and approved by the California Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) in December 2007, with subsequent amendments in 2010 and 2012. The 2012 MRR revisions became effective on January 1, 2013. The requirements for independent verification of emissions data reports and ARB oversight of accreditation were included in the original regulation and are consistent with international best practices. The MRR is codified in Subchapter 10, Article 2, sections 95100 to 95133, title 17, California Code of Regulations.
Information for Reporting Entities
Reporting entities are required to have their GHG emissions data reports verified each year by an ARB-accredited verification body, beginning in 2010 for 2009 emissions. The third-party verification requirements and deadline are specified in section 95103(f) of the reporting regulation. The annual verification deadline is September 1 or the next business day when September 1 falls on a weekend or State-recognized holiday. Compliance dates are summarized at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reporting/ghg-rep/ghg-rep-dates.htm.
Only ARB-accredited verification bodies may provide verification services to reporting entities. The following web link provides a list of ARB-accredited verification bodies and additional information: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reporting/ghg-ver/ghg-ver-accreditation.htm.
Information for Verifiers
A list serve with information about upcoming webinars scheduled for March and April 2013 has been sent to all ARB-accredited verifiers. Please review the notice for information on webinar dates and guidance documents.
Verification Body Application. ARB is currently accepting applications for new and previously accredited verification bodies for Mandatory Reporting. ARB is accepting applications for reaccreditation from verification bodies originally accredited in August 2010 or before. The original three-year accreditation is expiring and those verification bodies must update their accreditation to be eligible to conduct verification services during calendar year 2013 and after.
Questions regarding ARB accreditation and verification should be sent to ghgverify@arb.ca.gov.
Conflict of Interest (COI/NOVS) Form for 2012 data
Verification Statement Form for 2011 data (update coming soon)
Archived Information (from the previous 2007 Regulation)
Verification Fact Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
Technical Guidance for Verifiers
COI/NOVS Form
Verification Opinion Form
Verification Schedule (annual vs triennial schedule)
List of Power Entity Docs
For questions regarding ARB's verifier accreditation or greenhouse gas verification process, please email ghgverify@arb.ca.gov.
