Bill > SB88

This bill addresses the management and utilization of forest and agricultural biomass resources in California to reduce wildfire risks and carbon emissions. The bill requires the State Air Resources Board (CARB) to conduct two key assessments by specific deadlines: first, an evaluation of life-cycle emissions from alternative uses of forest and agricultural biomass residues by January 1, 2028, and second, a comprehensive strategy for supporting beneficial carbon removal products like biochar by January 1, 2029. The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection must ensure that state-funded forest health projects include a scientifically-based method for determining biomass removal and prescribed burning amounts. Additionally, the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission must highlight the potential of agricultural and forest biomass resources for producing low- and negative-carbon fuels, including hydrogen, using innovative conversion technologies. The bill recognizes that millions of tons of biomass are currently burned annually through wildfires and prescribed burns, which contribute significantly to air pollution and climate change, and seeks to promote alternative uses that can support local workforce development, improve energy reliability, and help California meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB88