California Climate Disclosure Regulations Update: CARB Provides Additional Clarifications on Implementation and Ninth Circuit Stay of SB 261 Enforcement - K&L Gates
California's CARB clarified SB 253 and SB 261 implementation, but the Ninth Circuit stayed SB 261 enforcement pending appeal. SB 253 remains in effect with deadlines unchanged.
Aforeworn detected this change in the ESG & Climate Disclosure space on July 9, 2026 and published this briefing so affected operators are forewarned rather than caught off guard. It is rated High urgency. Public companies and large private filers subject to California climate disclosure laws (SB 253 and SB 261). should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: SB 253: First report due in 2026 for fiscal year 2025. SB 261: Stayed, but prepare for potential reinstatement.. Acting after that point can mean penalties, a lapsed licence, or lost eligibility — exactly the kind of surprise Aforeworn exists to prevent. Aforeworn monitors ESG & Climate Disclosure continuously and turns every detected change into a plain-English briefing like this one, so you always know first. Forewarned is forearmed.
What changed
CARB provided clarifications on reporting requirements, but SB 261 enforcement is stayed by the Ninth Circuit. SB 253 deadlines remain active.
Who it affects
Public companies and large private filers subject to California climate disclosure laws (SB 253 and SB 261).
What you must do
Continue preparing for SB 253 compliance (2026 deadline for 2025 data). Monitor SB 261 appeal; no immediate action required for SB 261.
Deadline
SB 253: First report due in 2026 for fiscal year 2025. SB 261: Stayed, but prepare for potential reinstatement.
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