On June 24, the California State Assembly’s Committee on Appropriations unanimously approved SB 88 with a 13 to zero vote. The bill seeks to formally integrate agricultural and forestry biomass into California’s climate strategy by promoting clean biomass conversion as a beneficial tool for reducing emissions and wildfire risk.
SB 88 builds upon the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which mandated a statewide reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. The current goal requires an 85 percent reduction in emissions by 2045, with the broader objective of achieving net-zero emissions by that same year.
In accordance with the state’s climate law, California agencies are required to develop and periodically update a scoping plan that outlines feasible and cost-effective methods for maximizing GHG emission reductions. These plans must be revised at least every five years, with the most recent update released in 2022.
The proposed legislation would update state policy to encourage the use of biomass materials to mitigate the impacts of destructive wildfires and the environmental effects of pile burning, while continuing to support prescribed burns that maintain ecological and public health standards.
SB 88 mandates the development of a standardized framework for measuring direct carbon emissions and decomposition associated with fuel reduction activities. This framework would fulfill accounting obligations for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Additionally, it requires the establishment of a method for quantifying lifecycle emissions from alternative uses of forest and agricultural biomass residues.
The legislation also calls for the inclusion of a strategy in the next scoping plan to support carbon removal products, such as biochar, derived from agricultural and forestry biomass.
Where feasible, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection would be instructed to ensure that state-funded forest health projects incorporate a scientifically supported, verifiable biomass disposal plan. This plan must determine the proportions of biomass to be removed and those to be processed through prescribed burning.
Furthermore, the State Energy Resource Conservation and Development Commission would be required to assess the value of using forest and agricultural biomass in producing low- and negative-carbon fuels. This includes evaluating noncombustion conversion technologies and other innovative methods.
SB 88 was introduced in January and has undergone multiple amendments. Additional information, including the full bill text, is available through the California Legislature’s official website.
Source
Advanced Carbon Council, press release, 2025-06-26.
Supplier
Advanced Carbon Council
California Climate Adaptation Strategy
California Committee on Appropriations
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection | CAL FIRE
Energy Resource Conservation (USDA)
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