Sustainability now: What’s next for California climate reporting?

California’s climate disclosure laws are entering a critical phase as key compliance deadlines approach. SB 253 (the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act) requires companies to report greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, while SB 261 (Greenhouse gases: climate-related financial risk) mandates disclosure of climate-related financial risks aligned with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) or an equivalent framework. Although SB 261 is currently on hold due to litigation, companies should continue preparing. In this episode, we break down the latest developments from the California Air and Resources Board (CARB), what companies need to report in 2026, and how to prepare amid ongoing regulatory and legal uncertainty.  

In this episode, we discuss the latest developments from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), 2026 reporting requirements, and how to navigate ongoing regulatory and legal uncertainty. In this episode, we break down the latest developments from the California Air and Resources Board (CARB), what companies need to report in 2026, and how to prepare amid ongoing regulatory and legal uncertainty. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• 2:50 Deadline for SB 253 (GHG) reporting
• 4:39 Reporting requirements for SB 253
• 13:21 Deadline for SB 261 (climate risk) reporting
• 16:52 Reporting requirements for SB 261
• 20:43 What to expect from CARB in 2026
• 24:20 Applicability considerations and key exemptions

For more on the California sustainability laws, read our In depth, California climate reporting–SB 253 and SB 261 explained. 

Looking for the latest developments in sustainability reporting? Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop for the latest thought leadership on sustainability standards. 

About our guest

Logan Redlin is a director in PwC’s National Office who is focused on thought leadership strategy and content development related to accounting and financial reporting, sustainability reporting, and standard setting. Prior to this role, Logan spent 15 years in the audit practice, serving both public and private companies with a primary focus on asset management and real estate.

About our guest host

Diana Stoltzfus is a sustainability partner in the Professional Practice Group within the National Office. Diana helps to shape our firm’s perspective on regulatory matters, responses to rulemakings, and policy development and implementation related to significant new rules and regulations. Diana was previously the Deputy Chief Accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) of the Professional Practice Group in the OCA at the SEC. She focused on providing guidance related to auditing, independence, and internal controls.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

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