What authority sets the emissions standards for vehicles in California?

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is the authority responsible for setting emissions standards for vehicles in California. CARB's mission is to protect public health, welfare, and the climate by reducing air pollution. It develops and enforces regulations to limit the amount of pollutants released from vehicles, ensuring that the state meets its air quality goals and adheres to stricter standards than those set at the federal level.

While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets emissions standards for the entire United States, CARB has the authority to implement regulations that are more stringent within California. This is due to the state's unique air quality challenges and its legislative framework allowing CARB to act independently in addressing vehicle emissions.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is primarily concerned with vehicle registration and licensing, and it does not have the authority to set emissions standards. Similarly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) focuses on vehicle safety regulations and fuel economy standards but does not regulate emissions in the same way that CARB does. Thus, CARB's role is critical in establishing and enforcing the specific emissions standards for vehicles operating in California.