Assessment of Conversion Technologies for Bioalcohol Fuel ...

1. Maximize the contributions of bioenergy toward achieving the state’s petroleum
reduction, climate change, renewable energy, and environmental goals.
2. Establish California as a market leader in technology innovation, sustainable
biomass development, and market development for biobased products.
3. Coordinate research, development, demonstration, and commercialization
efforts across federal and state agencies.
4. Align existing regulatory requirements to encourage production and use of
California’s biomass resources.
5. Facilitate market entry for new applications of bioenergy including electricity,
biogas, and biofuels.
On September 27, 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 32, the Global
Warming Solutions Act. The Act calls for the reduction of California’s greenhouse gas
emissions by 11% by 2010, by 25% by 2020 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
The enforcement of AB 32 will be phased in starting in 2012.
Under the Act, the state board is authorized to adopt market-based compliance
mechanisms, including cap-and-trade, and allow for one-year extension of the targets
under extraordinary circumstances. CARB is directed to develop appropriate
regulations and establish a mandatory reporting system to track and monitor
greenhouse gas emissions.
Furthermore, the Act requires CARB to distribute costs and benefits equitably, ensure
that there are no direct, indirect or cumulative increases in air pollution, protect those
who have voluntarily reduced their emissions prior to the passage of this act, and allow
for coordination with other agencies to reduce emissions.
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