The California Air Resources Board (CARB) held a third workshop regarding SB 253 and SB 261, their climate disclosure rules. During the workshop they noted that they had posted updates to their:
- FAQs Regarding California Climate Disclosure Requirements
- Climate Related Financial Risk Report Checklist
Slides from the workshop are available here and a video replay can be watched here. Key points made during the workshop:
- First year SB 253 reporting for Scope 1 and 2 emissions will need to be made on or before August 10, 2026
- The spreadsheet template that CARB provided for GHG emissions is optional for 2026 reporting and companies can submit existing GHG emissions reports prepared for others that also cover Scope 1 and Scope 2 reporting
- Companies that have not been collecting GHG emissions data and are not planning to collect data, are not expected to submit Scope 1 and 2 reports in 2026 (they must submit an explanatory letter to CARB)
- Assurance is not required for the first year 2026 reporting (although if the company has it and wishes to report it, they can do so)
- Staff will be working on a subsequent rulemaking in 2026 to address program requirements in 2027 and other topics including reporting format and data assurance requirements
