Southern California Gas (SoCalGas) announced March 23 the company's commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its operations and delivery of energy by 2045.

This commitment makes SoCalGas the largest gas distribution utility in North America to set a net zero target including scopes 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions, which would eliminate not only its own direct emissions, but also those generated by customers' energy delivered by SoCalGas' energy infrastructure.

SoCalGas' commitment aligns with the Paris Climate Agreement's recommendations and reflects the company's focus on supporting California with a resilient gas grid through the energy transition to support a carbon neutral economy.

Over the next five years, SoCalGas plans to invest in initiatives to decarbonize, diversify, and digitalize the business. To guide SoCalGas' path to net zero, the company released a Climate Commitment Announcement. Select commitments along SoCalGas' path to net zero include:

By 2025 to:

• Achieve net zero energy for 100% of SoCalGas' newly constructed buildings and major renovations of buildings over 10,000 square feet.

• Replace 50% of SoCalGas' over-the-road fleet with electric, hybrid, natural gas, and/or fuel cell electric vehicles.

• Establish statewide hydrogen blending standards.

• Complete five hydrogen pilot projects.

By 2030 to:

• Eliminate 100% of vented gas during planned transmission pipeline work.

• Achieve net zero energy for 50% of all SoCalGas existing buildings.

• Deliver 20% renewable natural gas.

By 2035 to:

• Operate a 100% zero emissions over-the-road fleet.

• Achieve net zero energy for 100% of SoCalGas buildings.