April 23, 2013

The Honorable Jerry Hill, Chair

Senate Environmental Quality Committee

State Capitol, Room 2205
Sacramento, CA 95814

SUPPORT FOR SB 804

CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY

Dear Senator Hill,

On behalf of [Insert supporter’s name/Company name], I am writing to express support for SB 804 (Lara). This important bill broadens and clarifies the definition of biomass conversion to allow for cleaner, non-combustion conversion technologies to also be permitted under the definition. Currently the definition is limited to only facilities that combust biomass. The bill also defines composting to include both aerobic and anaerobic decomposition, for the purpose of implementing certain solid waste management practices and reduction goals. We need to use every resource available to us to reduce the amount of waste we send to landfills, and conversion technologies provide us with an opportunity to divert waste from landfills that otherwise could not be recycled.

This bill is an important first step toward establishing clear definitions for these thermal, chemical, mechanical, and/or biological conversion technologies, which are capable of converting post-recycled residual solid waste into useful products and chemicals, green fuels like ethanol and biodiesel, and clean, renewable energy. These technologies promote the highest and best use of resources while supporting the state’s key environmental goals. We agree that it is time to change how we view waste—as a resource rather than material to be discarded.

We believe that in order to fully realize the value that CTs would afford the State, measures that would incentivize the development of CTs, such as diversion credit for using post-recycled MSW residual feedstock, should be included in this legislative effort. Such a measure would provide flexibility needed by local jurisdictions in order to continue to comply with State mandates and goals established under AB 939 and AB 341. Moreover, the energy produced by CTs should be considered renewable energy which would enhance the State’s Renewable Portfolio Standard Program while the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions which these processes provide will assist in achieving GHG reduction goals established under AB 32.

We need conversion technologies in California because these proven technologies create green jobs, reduce Green House Gas emissions and other air pollutants, reduce groundwater contamination, produce green fuels and electricity, lead to increased recycling rates and help divert trash from landfills.

We support SB 804 and encourage the State to advance this important legislation while continuing to engage affected stakeholders in the process.

Respectfully, a California CT supporter,

Supporter’s Name

Cc: Senator Ricardo Lara

Each Member of Senate Environmental Quality Committee