Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the state board to prepare and approve a scoping plan for achieving the maximum technologically feasible and cost-effective reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and to update the scoping plan at least once every 5 years in California.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the use of carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies to  be counted toward the state’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and not toward the state’s carbon dioxide removal targets (Sec. 1). 

• Repeals language concerning previous greenhouse gas emissions plans (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that before commencing a formal rulemaking process for regulations, the state board shall conduct a community engagement process that includes outreach that targets residents of communities most likely to be near potential carbon dioxide removal projects. 

• Specifies that the environmental justice advisory committee shall be invited to participate in planning and implementation of community engagement processes regarding carbon removal projects (Sec. 1). 

• Amends and specifies that carbon removal projects will only be if it meets the following specifications (Sec. 1): 

• The carbon dioxide removal process results in removals of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and not only the avoidance or reduction of greenhouse gas emissions or the prevention of greenhouse gas emissions through the use of CCUS technology;

•  The carbon dioxide process may remove carbon from the atmosphere directly or indirectly, including by direct air capture or using carbon stored in biomass or soil or absorbed in water;and

• The carbon dioxide removal process results in removals of carbon dioxide that are quantifiable, verifiable, and enforceable by the state board.

• Specifies that the state board shall include nature-based carbon dioxide removal strategies (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the state board shall not approve a carbon dioxide removal process that includes an industrial facility or engineered infrastructure for any portion of the process until the owner or operator of the facility or infrastructure provides a written attestation to the state board that includes both of the following (Sec. 2): 

• The owner or operator has done meaningful community engagement, including conducting at least three community meetings that include explaining the scope and potential impacts of the proposed facility or infrastructure before beginning construction or operation of it;

• The owner or operator has a plan for providing meaningful benefits to residents of the surrounding community, such as through an enforceable community benefits agreement or the establishment of a community oversight and advisory body representing the community in total. 

• The state board shall post on its internet website attestations received for carbon dioxide removal processes and provide a process for a third party to report to the state board an allegation that an attestation was untruthful (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text