California air regulators approved an elaborate project Thursday to substantially cut reliance on fossil fuels by modifying behaviors in the energy, transportation, and agricultural sectors, but opponents say it falls short of combating climate change.
The strategy aims for carbon neutrality by 2045, which means that the state would remove as much carbon emissions from the atmosphere as it emits. It intends to do this in part by cutting fossil fuel use by 86% within that time span.
California has already declared a goal of carbon neutrality, but Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation making it a law earlier this year. He has stated that substantial adjustments are required in order for California to be recognized as a worldwide climate leader.
One of the most contentious aspects of the concept is the capture and subterranean storage of enormous amounts of carbon. Critics argue that it offers the state’s largest emitters an excuse not to do enough to reduce climate change.
