California's climate goals remain unmet after 20 years

California’s 2006 climate law, AB 32, successfully reduced emissions ahead of schedule but now faces challenges in meeting future targets. The state has cut emissions by about 4% in 2024, but at the current pace, it is projected to reach its 2030 goal of a 40% reduction from 1990 levels only by 2034, with even steeper reductions needed for 2045. Federal policy setbacks and high infrastructure costs threaten progress, especially in transportation emissions, despite recent improvements driven by renewable energy and electric vehicles.