California Climate Disclosure Regulations Take Effect, Mandating Emissions Reporting for Large Businesses
On October 12, 2026, the California Office of Administrative Law officially approved the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) initial climate disclosure regulations, which are now immediately effective. These regulations, stemming from Senate Bill 253 (SB 253), require certain public and private U.S.-formed entities operating in California with over $1 billion in annual revenue to report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The first annual reports for Scope 1 (direct emissions) and Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy) are due by November 10, 2026. Companies are advised to consult CARB’s reporting guidance and FAQs for submission details, which can be made via their Report Intake Platform or email. For the initial reporting period, companies can use data collected as of December 5, 2024, even without limited assurance. Those not collecting data by that date should submit a statement of non-reporting explaining their circumstances. Enforcement of SB 261, which pertains to climate-related f...
