Measure signed into law by Gavin Newsom on Saturday is strong blueprint for national climate accountability, experts say

A groundbreaking California law will force large companies doing business in the state – including major global corporations – to disclose their planet-heating carbon emissions.

The measure, signed into law by the governor, Gavin Newsom, on Saturday, will be the nation’s first of its kind, serving as a blueprint for national climate accountability.

It comes as federal regulators have dragged their feet on crafting similar rules, which could be finalized this month.

SB 253 will require California regulators to create rules by 2025 for public and private companies whose annual revenues exceed $1bn. That affects about 5,300 corporations, including Chevron, Wells Fargo, Amazon and Apple.