Requires the state’s PUC to consider adopting specific biomethane procurement targets or goals for each gas corporation.
Proposed SB 687 would have established a Renewable Gas Standard requiring an average carbon intensity reduction of one percent in 2020, increasing to 10 percent in 2030.
ICF published a 2018 white paper exploring the regulatory and policy context for RNG, RNG supply, the costs associated with RNG production, and key considerations in the development of a Renewable Gas Standard. It focused on California.
The Center for Renewable Gas prepared a 2018 report analyzing the challenge of meeting California’s carbon goals, and recommended developing a Renewable Gas Standard.
Identifies opportunities to support renewable natural gas in the state, including through public procurement and development of a Renewable Portfolio Standard for renewable gas.
Finds that generation of biogas could be expanded to perhaps 3–5% of the total natural gas market at projected prices of $5–6/MMBtu.
Uses a thermodynamic balance to determine the total technical potential of RNG in the United States, as well as the future technical potential of methanation-derived RNG based on growth curves for renewable electricity.
Provides for biomass life cycle analysis, setting a standard for ensuring the carbon benefit of biomass production.
Imposes a reporting requirement without further standards for cultivation, collection, or transportation. This is a common flaw across state RPS laws.
Defines biomass to exclude trees and wood unless that are derived from sustainably managed forests or procurement systems.