Technical Review Team Solicitation to
Support the Review of California Climate Investments Benefits Quantification Methodologies

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California Climate Investments is a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Invest, formerly Cap-and-Trade, dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, strengthening the economy, improving public health and the environment, and providing benefits to residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households, collectively referred to as priority populations.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is responsible for developing quantification methodologies (QMs) that estimate the GHG emissions reductions and co-benefits from projects funded by California Climate Investments. CARB in partnership with scholars from the Institute for Social Transformation (IST) at University of California, Santa Cruz, is working to improve the QM development and update process. These QMs are critical tools that help CARB estimate GHG emissions reductions benefits and other public health, economic, and environmental co-benefits such as air pollution mitigation, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction, energy efficiency, and affordable housing.

To ensure that QMs reflect scientific rigor and are grounded in robust modeling principles and the latest research, CARB and IST are convening Technical Review Teams (TRTs) composed of independent experts to provide structured feedback throughout the update process of the QMs identified below (2025–2026). The TRTs will play a key advisory role in reviewing methodological approaches, model assumptions, data inputs and outputs, and recommending improvements to strengthen the accuracy, transparency, and utility of the QMs.  The TRTs will interface with CARB’s QM technical teams throughout the QM development and update process.

IST is inviting applications from individuals with technical expertise in GHG accounting, travel behavior modeling, micromobility, sustainable transportation, active and public transportation, urban planning, transportation justice, or other relevant fields to serve as TRT members. CARB and IST seek approximately 6-8 TRT members split evenly for the two QMs described below. Participants will meet periodically and be compensated for their time and expertise.

Background, Purpose, and Role of the Technical Review Team (TRT)

General Qualifications, Technical Expertise Areas (QM1 & QM2), Eligibility, Time Commitment and Compensation

Understand your commitments

General Qualifications

In addition to the relevant technical knowledge, members of the TRT should have:

• Demonstrated experience in evaluating greenhouse gas emissions, vehicle miles traveled, or active transportation quantitative models and modeling processes
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Ability to provide objective, constructive, and timely feedback

Technical Expertise Areas (QM1 & QM2)

We are specifically seeking individuals with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Evaluating patterns and determinants of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) from new housing development and/or bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure
• Analyzing the impact of land use and transportation networks on GHG emissions

Eligibility

Eligible applicants may include:

• Researchers, faculty, or staff at academic institutions
• Professionals in environmental consulting, transportation modeling, affordable housing, or urban planning
• Technical experts from public agencies or nonprofit organizations

Any individual who is part of an existing CARB advisory committee (e.g., Environmental Justice Advisory Committee, Research Screening Committee, AB 617 Consultation Group, and Scientific Review Panel on Toxic Air Contaminants) cannot apply.

Time Commitment and Compensation

• Timeline: October 2025 – May 2026
• Members will be compensated for roughly five one-hour meetings per QM , plus two to three hours to review draft materials prior to each meeting
• Asynchronous written review and feedback are expected in between meetings
• All meetings will be conducted virtually
• TRT members will receive $140/hr compensation for their time and expertise

Application Process, Scoring Rubric and Criteria

View and submit the application

Application Process

Apply Here

Submit your application by 5:00 P.M. PST on September 30, 2025. You will be asked to provide:

• Contact and professional background information
• A statement of interest that includes a description of your relevant technical expertise
• Resume/CV

If you have questions, you can reach out to Dario Leon (dariol@ucsc.edu) with the subject title “TRT Application – QMs Review.” By early October 2025, the most qualified candidates will be contacted to move forward in this process.

Application Scoring Criteria

The TRT application will be scored using the criteria below.

• Relevant Technical Expertise: Demonstrated experience in GHG emissions quantification, VMT modeling, transportation, land use planning, affordable housing development, or bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure analysis.
• Familiarity with GHG Quantification and Tools: Experience with CARB methodologies or other state or federal climate impact tools.
• Equity Lens: Ability to assess whether methodologies benefit disadvantaged communities and low-income communities and households and address climate equity.
• Collaborative Experience: Prior participation in working groups, review panels, or consensus-based processes.

Scoring Rubric and Criteria

Statement of Interest Instructions: The application includes four questions. Each question is worth up to 10 points, for a maximum possible score of 40 points. A scoring rubric for each question is provided below.

Question 1: Please describe your professional background and relevant technical expertise related to GHG emissions quantification, VMT modeling, transportation, land use planning, affordable housing development, or bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure analysis. Expertise related to these areas in the context of California policy/planning a plus (but not required). (300 words)

• The applicant will receive 8-10 points if they answer the question fully and clearly, and demonstrate strong, direct, and relevant technical expertise across two or more of the listed areas.
• The applicant will receive 4-7 points if they answer the question fully but demonstrate moderate or less directly relevant expertise in two or more areas, strong expertise for only one area, or experience in related fields that may still contribute to the TRT.
• The applicant will receive 1-3 points if they answer the question fully but demonstrate limited or peripheral expertise not directly aligned with the listed technical areas.
• The applicant who does not answer the question will receive 0 points.

Question 2: Do you have experience using or reviewing quantification methodologies or tools such as California Climate Investments quantification and benefits materials or similar modeling tools? If yes, please describe. (250 words)

• The applicant will receive 7–10 points if they answer the question fully and clearly, and demonstrate direct experience with CARB or similar quantification methodologies.
• The applicant will receive 1–6 points if they provide a partial response, with limited detail or indirect experience.
• The applicant who does not answer the question will receive 0 points.

Question 3: Describe how you approach evaluating technical models for scientific accuracy and methodological rigor. In your view, why is it important to consider equity and community impact in the development of quantification methods? (250 words)

• The applicant will receive 7–10 points if they answer the question fully and clearly, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to evaluation and providing a strong rationale for integrating equity and community impact.
• The applicant will receive 1–6 points if they provide a partial response with limited examples or rationale.
• The applicant who does not answer the question will receive 0 points.

Question 4: Have you served on any technical review panels, advisory committees, or interdisciplinary working groups? If so, please share your role and what you contributed. If not, describe experience working with a technical team or consensus-based process.  (200 words)

• The applicant will receive 7–10 points if they answer the question fully and clearly, and provide strong examples of collaborative or consensus-based work.
• The applicant will receive 1–6 points if they provide a partial response with limited detail on collaborative experience.
• The applicant who does not answer the question will receive 0 points.