Nitric acid production is first sector to be modularized, with coal mine methane, forestry (ARR), landfill, and ODS to follow shortly

LOS ANGELES – The Climate Action Reserve has launched a modular protocol structure, enabling efficient expansion of its high-quality carbon crediting program into new jurisdictions while maintaining rigorous, locally-informed standards.

Under the new structure, each sector (e.g., forestry) will be governed by a single protocol that establishes fundamental requirements applicable globally. Jurisdiction-specific considerations, such as regulatory alignment and a performance standard test, will be covered in individual modules appended to the protocol.

The new structure will enable more rapid expansion: rather than developing entirely new protocols for each jurisdiction, the Reserve will develop concise jurisdiction modules. The new structure will also enable projects in a sector covered by a protocol to be submitted anywhere in the world, even if the relevant jurisdiction module does not yet exist.

The first sector to be modularized is nitric acid production. Today, the Reserve is releasing for public comment an updated version of the protocol as well as jurisdiction modules for the United States and India. And effective immediately, stakeholders can propose the development of additional jurisdiction modules for this protocol via our New Jurisdiction Module form and can submit projects in this sector anywhere in the world.

Submitting a project before the development of a jurisdiction module will establish its submittal date and, if the jurisdiction module is subsequently adopted, the project may proceed immediately to request listing and registration.

The next sectors to be modularized will be coal mine methane, forestry (ARR), landfill, and ozone depleting substances, all expected to be released by the end of September.

“We are proud to expand access to our carbon crediting program, characterized by rapid project review times, attention to customer service, and standardized approaches that deliver conservative, predictable, and prudent results,” said Robin Rix, President of the Climate Action Reserve.

As the Reserve transitions its protocols to the modular structure, existing projects have the option to remain under their current protocol through the end of their crediting period or transition to the modular protocol structure and applicable jurisdiction module during their next verification.

The Reserve will publish updates on the rollout of modular protocols on its website, social media, and monthly newsletter.

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The Climate Action Reserve develops and implements trusted market-based programs to advance climate action for people and planet. A leader in high-integrity carbon accounting, we serve global carbon markets, envisioning a world cooperating to solve climate change at speed and scale.

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