Steven Cliff in

Steven Cliff

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Executive Officer at California Air Resources Board
📍 Sacramento, California, United States

Dr. Steven Cliff serves as the Executive Officer for the California Air Resources Board, leveraging his extensive background in atmospheric science to lead statewide climate programs. His career includes serving as the Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and holding various leadership roles focused on sustainability and emissions control. He holds a Ph. D. in Chemistry from UC San Diego.

A native of Napa Valley, he is passionate about science-based policy and enjoys returning to the ranch he grew up on. In his personal time, he has been involved with rebuilding his familys property after it was damaged in a major wildfire, reflecting a deep connection to his California roots.

Unique fact: Before his distinguished career in public policy, he worked as a research professor and was a program coordinator at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratorys Advanced Light Source, a specialized particle accelerator.

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Experience
24 Years
Current Role
Executive Officer
Location
Sacramento, California, United States
Personality Overview

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Decision Approach
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Priorities

Topics Steven cares about

Clean Transportation
He has consistently championed zero-emission vehicle programs and sustainable transportation options at both CARB and the California Department of Transportation.
Science-based Policy
His Ph. D. in Chemistry and early career in atmospheric research inform his strong advocacy for using scientific data to drive environmental and public health regulations.
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Career

Work history

9-2022
Executive Officer
California Air Resources Board
2001
Beamline Scientist
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
9-2022 - 9-2022
Sabbatical
Self
5-2022 - 9-2022
Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA
2-2021 - 5-2022
Deputy Administrator at National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA
In the press

Media appearances

CARB Executive Officer rips U.S. EPA on proposal to reverse decades of proven climate science. Featured in California Air Resources Board (CARB) Newsroom
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Executive Officer, California Air Resources Board – Aspen Ideas. Featured in Aspen Ideas
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Education
1994 - 1998
Ph.D.
UC San Diego
1988 - 1992
B.S.
UC San Diego
1984 - 1988
Education details unavailable
Vintage High School
Social presence
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Behavioral profile

DISC profile (public)

DISC behavioral profile

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