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Bill

SB 643

Carbon Dioxide Removal Purchase Program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Anna Caballero and 2 co-sponsors

SB 643 establishes California's Carbon Dioxide Removal Purchase Program to buy and permanently store atmospheric CO2, but the Governor vetoed it citing fiscal and implementation concerns.

Veto sustained.
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Bill Summary · SB 643

Legislative bill overview

SB 643 would establish a Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Purchase Program in California, requiring the state to procure and permanently store CO2 removed from the atmosphere. The bill creates a mechanism for the state to purchase verified CDR services from private companies and other entities, supporting the development of this emerging climate technology sector.

Why is this important

California is pursuing increasingly aggressive climate targets, and CDR represents a potential tool for addressing hard-to-decarbonize sectors and atmospheric CO2 already accumulated. The bill would create market demand and investment certainty for CDR technologies still in early commercial stages, potentially positioning California as a leader in this sector while contributing to state climate goals.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and fiscal impact: Funding mechanisms and per-ton pricing for CDR are expensive compared to traditional emissions reduction, raising questions about cost-effectiveness and opportunity costs relative to other climate spending
  • Technology uncertainty: CDR technologies vary widely in maturity, permanence, and verification standards; establishing reliable measurement and accountability mechanisms is complex and could incentivize lower-quality approaches
  • Market dynamics: State purchasing could distort emerging CDR markets, potentially favoring certain companies or technologies while potentially creating dependency on government procurement rather than private market development

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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