(a) This section shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Climate Crisis Act.

(b) For purposes of this section, “net zero greenhouse gas emissions” means emissions of greenhouse gases, as defined in subdivision (g) of Section 38505, to the atmosphere are balanced by removals of greenhouse gas emissions over a period of time, as determined by the state board.

(c) It is the policy of the state to do both of the following:

(1) Achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, but no later than 2045, and to achieve and maintain net negative greenhouse gas emissions thereafter. This goal is in addition to, and does not replace or supersede, the statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in Section 38566.

(2) Ensure that by 2045, statewide anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to at least 85 percent below the statewide greenhouse gas emissions limit established pursuant to Section 38550.

(d) The state board shall work with relevant state agencies to do both of the following:

(1) Ensure that updates to the scoping plan required pursuant to Section 38561 identify and recommend measures to achieve the policy goals stated in subdivision (c).

(2) Identify and implement a variety of policies and strategies that enable carbon dioxide removal solutions and carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies in California to complement emissions reductions and achieve the policy goals stated in subdivision (c).

(e) (1) By December 31, 2035, the state board shall evaluate the feasibility and tradeoffs of achieving the policy goal stated in paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) relative to alternative scenarios that achieve the policy goals stated in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c), and report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature.

(2) The state board shall report to the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies annually on progress toward the goals stated in subdivision (c).

(3) As part of its annual reporting requirements pursuant to Section 38592.6, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, until January 1, 2030, shall conduct independent analyses of the state’s progress toward the goals stated in subdivision (c) and shall prepare an annual report detailing its review, which may include recommendations for improvements in state actions taken to achieve the goals stated in subdivision (c). When appropriate, these annual reports may incorporate reviews of the state board’s evaluation and reporting practices, and may include recommendations for potential changes to advance transparency and accountability. A report prepared pursuant to this paragraph shall be made available to the public.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 51, Sec. 13. (SB 122) Effective July 10, 2023.)