Statewide Clean Aviation Initiative

In the 2022 State SIP Strategy, CARB committed to go to the Board in 2027 with proposed programs and policies to reduce airport and aircraft emissions to the maximum extent practicable. In July 2024 CARB, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and EPA announced joint intent to act to achieve further emissions reductions from a variety of sources primarily under federal control, including airports and aircraft. In December 2024, CARB began the pre-rulemaking process by hosting the first workshop for California’s Statewide Clean Aviation Initiative (SCAI). The main objective of the SCAI rulemaking is to address the need for statewide reductions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), a key precursor for ozone formation, and particulate matter (PM) to meet federal air quality standards and protect public health. California’s SCAI has identified four key approaches for emissions reductions: (1) Controlling emissions from aircraft auxiliary power units for the duration of visit; (2) Reducing emissions from airport ground support equipment; (3) Reducing emissions from aircraft taxiing at the airport; and, (4) Reducing emissions from aircraft take-offs and landings. Note that these concepts are in draft form; they are not a formal regulatory proposal. During this informal regulatory development period, CARB staff intends to engage in dialog to solicit feedback and input from affected industry, other stakeholders, communities, and members of the public.