California will continue to set the pace for environmental
regulation in 2026, using its rulemaking, enforcement, and market
influence to drive requirements that often become de facto national
standards for companies doing business in the state. Even amid
uncertainty and change at the federal level, expect California
agencies and local governments to press ahead with ambitious
climate and sustainability policies, while courts and the
Legislature shape how quickly—and how broadly—those
policies take effect. For regulated entities, the result is a
fast-moving compliance landscape where early awareness, thoughtful
planning, and practical implementation strategies can meaningfully
reduce risk and cost.
