On September 1, 2026, The California Air Resources Board (CARB) released multiple resources for the CARB proposed November 10, 2026 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting deadline, required by Senate Bill (SB) 253. The key update is the introduction of two submittal options for 2026 reporting: a new voluntary Report Intake Platform, and the ability to submit reports and contact information via email.

New CARB Resources

A voluntary 2026 Report Intake Platform that entities may choose to use. Use of this platform is not mandatory. Entities may also email emissions reports and contact information to climatedisclosure@arb.ca.gov.
A  Guidance Document for SB 253 2026 Reporting Submittals
A video tutorial of the voluntary report intake platform

Acceptable Reporting Formats for 2026

Entities may satisfy their 2026 reporting obligation by:

Submitting an existing annual report that includes Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions.
Submitting existing Scope 1 and Scope 2 data already reported to other programs or voluntary initiatives.
Using CARB’s Draft Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG Reporting Template for reporting Scope 1 and Scope 2 data.
Submitting a statement of non-reporting (on company letterhead) if the entity was not collecting, and was not planning to collect, Scope 1 and Scope 2 data as of December 5, 2024, when the Enforcement Notice was issued.

Emissions reports, non-reporting statements, and contact information may be submitted via the voluntary 2026 Report Intake Platform or emailed to climatedisclosure@arb.ca.gov. All emission reports or statements of non-reporting will be made public.

Key Clarifications

Minimum reporting scope: For 2026, reporting entities submitting reports are only required to provide their annual Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Additional details – methodology descriptions, data sources, global warming potential (GWP) values, emission factors, organizational boundaries, disaggregated emissions data by category and gas, and any assumptions used – are optional, not required.
Reporting template is voluntary: CARB’s Draft Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG Reporting Template, posted on October 10, 2025, may be used, but its use is not mandatory for this cycle.
CARB will still accept submissions whether or not assurance has been obtained for the 2026 cycle.
CARB is currently developing the reporting requirements for 2027, and this guidance only applies to the 2026 reporting cycle.