Bill > SB285

This bill addresses California's strategy for achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by establishing guidelines for carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Recognizing that completely eliminating all greenhouse gas emissions is challenging, the bill allows for the use of qualified carbon dioxide removal techniques to counterbalance remaining emissions, with strict requirements on the quality and durability of these removal methods. Specifically, the bill defines "qualified carbon dioxide removal" as a process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere using biological, chemical, or physical means, and requires that such removal only use biomass from agricultural or forestry residues, avoid enhanced oil recovery, and meet state board requirements. The bill mandates that different types of emissions must be counterbalanced by carbon removal with comparable atmospheric longevity - for instance, emissions from fossil fuels must be offset by highly durable carbon removal, while emissions from short-term carbon cycles can be balanced by removals from natural lands. The legislation aims to ensure scientific integrity in net zero claims by preventing the use of generic carbon offsets and emphasizing true atmospheric carbon removal, while also recognizing CDR as a potential source of economic development and jobs for California. Importantly, the bill does not restrict voluntary carbon offset markets or tradeable emissions reduction instruments.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB285