Recent Policy Updates
BAC submitted comments to the California Energy Commission in its proceeding to consider non-energy benefits and impacts. BAC’s comments emphasize the need to consider: You can see BAC’s comments here.
Read MoreBAC filed extensive comments in response to the CPUC’s order re-opening the pipeline biomethane procurement program. BAC’s comments focus on the need to accelerate biomethane procurement, to base pricing on lifecycle carbon intensity, to incentivize pipeline interconnection, and to fully value the many environmental and ratepayer benefits that biomethane capture and production provide. Read BAC’s…
Read MoreIn June, the California Public Utilities Commission issued an Order re-opening the utilities pipeline biomethane procurement program, which was adopted in 2022. Given the low program participation to date, the CPUC’s order posed many questions about how to revise the program to accelerate progress, better align its goals with the state’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant reduction…
Read MoreCalifornia recently submitted its Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of the state’s application for federal funding for priority climate actions. California’s PCAP includes a portfolio of “proven climate programs,” many of which are focused on bioenergy from organic waste. Some of the specific areas in California’s PCAP…
Read MoreIn April, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted one of the most aggressive vehicle regulations in the country. The Advanced Clean Fleet or ACF regulation is focused on converting medium and heavy-duty vehicles to zero emission – battery or fuel cell electric – for most vehicles over 8500 pounds. Thanks to advocacy by the…
Read MoreAB 1900, legislation to promote the instate development and use of biogas, requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) to propose pipeline biogas standards to protect public health. The California Public Utilities Commission must defer to the agencies in adopting those standards and must adopt additional standards…
Read MoreThe California Air Resources Board adopted California’s 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan in December. The Scoping Plan is California’s blueprint for achieving its climate goals. The 2022 Plan includes several new areas of focus, including a strategy to achieve carbon neutrality, how to reduce carbon emissions and increase sequestration on natural and working lands, carbon…
Read MoreBAC submitted comments to the Air Resources Board on proposed changes to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program, including: Read BAC’s comments on proposed changes to the LCFS: BAC Comments on July 2022 LCFS Staff Presentation (final)
Read MoreThe Low Carbon Fuels Standard Program has helped to reduce the carbon intensity of on-road vehicle fuels by nearly 10 percent over the last decade, largely thanks to increased biofuels production. Unfortunately, LCFS credit prices have dropped more than 50 percent, which threatens to slow California’s progress in reducing transportation climate emissions. To address the…
Read MoreThe California Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously to adopt a biomethane procurement program to help the state meet its Short-Lived Climate Pollutant reduction requirements. The program requires California’s gas utilities to procure 73 billion cubic feet of biomethane – about 12 percent of residential and small business customers’ current gas use – from anaerobic digestion…
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