California Environmental Protection Agency: contract: registry: greenhouse gas emissions that result from the water-energy nexus.

Senator Stern's proposal to modify California's greenhouse gas emissions registry shifts the California Environmental Protection Agency's role from development to administration while establishing new parameters for nonprofit partnerships. The registry, which tracks emissions from water-energy interactions, remains voluntary for businesses operating in California and allows entities to document emissions generated both within and outside state borders.

The legislation authorizes CalEPA to contract with qualified nonprofit organizations to support registry operations, capping these agreements at $2 million over three years. Under these contracts, nonprofits would help participating entities establish emissions baselines, promote voluntary water and energy efficiency measures, and facilitate third-party verified emissions reporting. The bill specifies that contractors must conduct workshops, provide technical assistance, and offer climate action planning support to engage water users across California's economic sectors and regions.

By removing outdated language about the registry's initial development phase, the bill's provisions reflect the program's transition to an operational status. The measure maintains existing requirements for voluntary participation while adding specific parameters around contract scope and duration to guide ongoing administration of the registry system.