California expands definition of RNG California has expanded the definition of renewable natural gas, Kallanish Energy reports.
Under a bill passed by the legislature and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the new definition of renewable natural gas includes energy that comes from additional forms of organic waste such as dead trees, agricultural waste and vegetation removed for wildfire mitigation.
AB 3163 will help California manage wildfires with reduced forest debris and will also lower greenhouse gas emissions.
“California took another step in the fight against climate change by joining leaders like Oregon who are turning their organic waste problem into an affordable and renewable energy solution,” said Southern California Gas Co. in statement. “Renewable natural gas can help reverse planet warming emissions.”
Converting organic wastes into RNG holds “the greatest potential for negative emissions at the lowest cost,” the company added.
The bill was introduced by Assembly Member Rudy Salas, D-Bakersfield.
Expanding the definition of biomethane energy was approved despite protests from some environmentalists who argued that the move would cost ratepayers and produce emissions.
The change was a victory for biomethane supporters who want their resources counted toward the state’s climate targets.
Previously, the California Public Utilities Commission limited the definition of biomethane in its procurement targets to anaerobic digesters that turn food waste and livestock manure into the biogas.
Salas sought to include non-combustion disposal methods in the new definition so processes like gasification and pyrolysis would be eligible for procurement targets,
Last year, biomethane and biomass accounted for 2.9% of California’s energy