CARB releases preliminary list of companies under SB 253/261

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) published a preliminary list of entities that staff believe may be subject to SB 253 (Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act) and SB 261 (Climate-Related Financial Risk Disclosure), as amended by SB 219.

• Main announcement and scope: CARB published a preliminary roster (Excel) compiled by cross-referencing the California Secretary of State’s business registry with Dun & Bradstreet revenue data; staff estimate ~2,600 companies may fall under SB 253 ($1 billion annual global revenue threshold) and ~4,100 companies may fall under SB 261 ($500 million threshold). CARB stresses the list is not final and is asking entities to complete a validation survey (Survey123 link) to confirm inclusion or claim exemptions.
• Background, next steps and timelines: The list applies to companies doing business in California regardless of headquarters; CARB used the current conceptual scoping definitions from its public workshops. Entities should assess applicability, document non-reporting rationales, and prepare disclosures (possible frameworks: TCFD or ISSB). Inaugural reports under SB 261 are due January 1, 2026.