California lawmakers have moved forward with Senate Bill 88, legislation that seeks to formally incorporate agricultural and forestry biomass into the state’s broader climate agenda. The bill passed the Assembly’s Appropriations Committee unanimously on June 24.
SB 88 builds on the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 and aligns with the state’s ambitious climate targets — an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and net-zero emissions by that same year. It aims to reduce wildfire risks and improve biomass management through clean conversion technologies.
The bill calls for the development of standardized methods to track emissions from forest fuel reduction efforts and assess the lifecycle carbon impact of various biomass uses. This data would inform allocations from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
SB 88 also requires California’s next climate scoping plan to include strategies that support carbon removal products like biochar, derived from agricultural and forestry residues.
In addition, it directs state agencies to ensure that state-funded forest health projects include scientifically verified biomass removal and disposal strategies.
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The bill also tasks the State Energy Commission with evaluating the potential of turning biomass into low- and negative-carbon fuels using advanced, non-combustion technologies.
First introduced in January 2024, SB 88 has undergone multiple amendments and continues to evolve as it moves through the legislative process.
A full copy of the bill is available via the California Legislature’s website.
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