Energy, environment & water

Chair, Air Resources Board (CARB)

Air-quality and climate rules, including vehicle standards. The Chair of the California Air Resources Board leads one of the most influential air quality regulatory agencies in the world, overseeing the development and implementation of regulations governing vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and greenhouse gas reduction strategies. The Chair directs the Board's staff, sets policy priorities, and represents California in national and international forums on climate and air quality. This position plays a central role in advancing California's landmark climate goals, including the achievement of carbon neutrality, through market-based programs, regulatory standards, and technology investments. The Chair is appointed by the Governor and works closely with the California Environmental Protection Agency.

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The appointment

Appointed by: The Governor
Confirmation: Senate, by majority vote
Term: Fixed 6-year term, staggered
Compensation: $215,000/yr
Availability: Chair designation is at the Governor's pleasure, but the chair must be one of the 14 voting members, who hold fixed 6-year terms; a new chair must already sit on the board or be appointed to a seat whose term is open.
Statutory requirements: HSC 39510: 14 voting members. Six are sitting members of local air district boards (South Coast, Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley, San Diego, Sacramento, and one from any other district) - i.e., must hold a district board seat. Six are at-large with specified expertise: automotive engineering; chemistry/meteorology or related; a physician/surgeon specializing in health effects of air pollution; two public members; one with experience in air pollution control. Two environmental-justice members (one each appointed by Senate Rules and Speaker) must reside in and work with disproportionately burdened communities. Governor's appointees must have 'demonstrated interest and proven ability in the field of air pollution control.'

Partially verified

Sources

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/09/15/governor-newsom-announces-appointments-including-new-california-air-resources-board-chair/; Statute research 2026-09-12: Health & Safety Code secs. 39510, 39511, 39512, 39513; Gov. Code sec. 11564 (member salary); AB 197 (Stats. 2016, ch. 250) - 6-year terms; AB 1288 (Stats. 2015) - environmental-justice seats | https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/health-and-safety-code/hsc-sect-39510/; https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/health-and-safety-code/hsc-sect-39511/; https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/health-and-safety-code/hsc-sect-39512/

In the catalog

The catalog entry behind this profile. The role explorer lists every California Air Resources Board role, including deputies and other seats.

Chair of the California Air Resources Board

California Air Resources Board

Energy & EnvironmentChair / President$215,000/yrSenate confirmation required

Environment and Natural Resources

The Chair of the California Air Resources Board leads one of the most influential air quality regulatory agencies in the world, overseeing the development and implementation of regulations governing vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and greenhouse gas reduction strategies. The Chair directs the Board's staff, sets policy priorities, and represents California in national and international forums on climate and air quality. This position plays a central role in advancing California's landmark climate goals, including the achievement of carbon neutrality, through market-based programs, regulatory standards, and technology investments. The Chair is appointed by the Governor and works closely with the California Environmental Protection Agency.

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