Offset Verification

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AB 32 requires regulatory verification of all GHG reductions and removal enhancements used for compliance in the Cap-and-Trade Program.  The Cap-and-Trade Regulation includes requirements that verification bodies and offset verifiers must meet to be accredited by ARB to conduct regulatory verification.  The Regulation also requires verification bodies and offset verifiers to complete ARB training and demonstrate competency, through examinations, in ARB’s Compliance Offset Program and Compliance Offset Protocols.

List of ARB-Accredited Offset Verification Bodies and Offset Verifiers

An Offset Project Operator or Authorized Project Designee must obtain the services of an ARB-accredited verification body to perform offset verification services.  A list of accredited offset verification bodies and offset verifiers can be found at the links below.

Notice of Offset Verification Services (NOVS) and Conflict of Interest (COI)

Before offset verification services may begin the verification body must submit information for a NOVS to ARB and the applicable Offset Project Registry with which the project is listed.

The verification body must also submit information for a Conflict of Interest Self-evaluation to ARB and the applicable Offset Project Registry with which the project is listed.  The Offset Project Registry must approve the conflict of interest.  

Forms to assist with reporting this information are available on the Compliance Offset Program Forms webpage.  They can also be accessed on the web page of each Offset Project Registry.

Offset Verification Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

ARB has developed general guidance on the offset verification program.  In addition, ARB will develop Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that will be continuously updated as answers to specific questions are established.  FAQs will be developed for offset verification related issues in general, as well as specifically for each Compliance Offset Protocol. 

Other Offset Verification Related Forms

To conduct offset verification services, offset verification bodies and offset verifiers will need to submit information during verification activities, including NOVS, COI, and Offset Verification Statements.  ARB will make forms related to the offset program, including verification related forms, available on the Compliance Offset Program Forms webpage.  They can also be accessed on the web page of each Offset Project Registry.

Application for Verification Bodies and Offset Verifiers

Offset verification bodies and offset verifiers must be accredited by ARB to perform verification for compliance offset projects.  To become accredited, potential verification bodies and offset verifiers must submit an application and meet the requirements for education and experience as defined in section 95132 of the Mandatory Reporting Regulation.

The applications below must be completed and submitted to ARB to begin the Verifier and/or Verification Body accreditation process.  If the Verifier applicant satisfies all the requirements of the regulation, they will be notified of the dates and times of approved ARB Compliance Offset Program and Compliance Offset Protocol training classes.  Upon successful completion of training, the Verifier may be accredited by the Executive Officer.  Once Verifiers are accredited and the Verification Body meets the minimum staffing requirements of the regulation, the Verification Body may be accredited by the Executive Officer.

Offset Verifier Training

CARB and its contracted trainer Greenhouse Gas Management Institute (GMGMI) are offering online offset verifier training, beginning in May 2023 with the General course.  Other courses to follow later in 2023.  CARB through its prior contracted trainer GP Strategies offered in-person offset verifier training sessions in 2012 through 2015 and online training in 2018 through 2020.  For more information about CARB's offset verifier training, please contact Stephen Shelby (916-570-7953).

For questions or comments, please Stephen Shelby at (916) 570-7953.