WESTCARB was one of seven collaborative research partnerships co-funded by the U.S. Department of Energy to characterize regional carbon storage opportunities and conduct technology validation projects. Between 2003 and 2013, under leadership by the California Energy Commission, over 100 public agencies, private companies, nonprofits, universities, and research labs came together to identify and assess the best regional opportunities for keeping CO2 out of the atmosphere, thereby reducing humankind's impact on the climate.

Within its territory, WESTCARB identified the major stationary sources of CO2 such as power plants, oil refineries, and cement plants, and determined the potential for storing CO2 securely in deep geologic formations. WESTCARB’s work also included research on increasing terrestrial carbon storage through tree planting, conservation forest management practices, and removal of materials such as stunted undergrowth and brush that can fuel wildfires.