Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Assembly committee advances bill urging state to study biomass products, biochar in climate plan
Summary
The Assembly Natural Resources Committee voted to pass SB 88, which asks the California Air Resources Board and other agencies to study and report on using woody biomass for low‑carbon products including biochar and hydrogen; witnesses were sharply divided on the climate and air quality effects of such technologies.
SB 88, a bill that would direct state agencies to evaluate using woody biomass to produce fuels and carbon‑stable products, was given a due‑pass recommendation as amended by the Assembly Natural Resources Committee on an author’s request Wednesday. The committee advanced the measure to the Appropriations Committee.
The bill’s sponsors and co‑sponsors said converting agricultural and forest residuals into products such as biochar and hydrogen would reduce open‑burning emissions and provide economic opportunities in rural communities. Opponents said existing evidence shows many biomass conversion processes emit greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants and cautioned against mandating state endorsement without further study.
Alberto Ayala, air pollution control officer and executive director of the…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
