Carbon Removal and Mariculture Legislation Moves Forward in California Assembly
26 Abril 2024 - 10:30AM
Business Wire
Two bills currently being considered by the California Assembly
received bipartisan support in two committees and now travel to the
Appropriations Committee. The Committee on Natural Resources voted
unanimously to refer AB 2572, which directs the Air Resources Board
(ARB) to assess the environmental standards and promote the use of
ocean carbon dioxide removal projects. Similarly, the Committee on
Water, Parks, and Wildlife passed AB 3220, which directs the
Department of Fish and Wildlife to investigate how to expedite
permit processes with mariculture projects.
AB 2572, introduced by Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-South Bay),
would direct ARB to develop criteria to “determine whether an ocean
carbon dioxide removal project is environmentally safe and
sustainable,” while also qualifying such projects for funding
through the state’s carbon credit programs.
AB 3220, introduced by Assemblywoman Diane Papan (D-San Mateo),
directs the Department of Fish and Wildlife to look into seeking
state verification authority from the US Army Corps of Engineers
and any other appropriate federal agencies in order to streamline
the review and approval of federal permits issued that may be
required for any mariculture projects, which are defined in the
legislation as “agriculture devoted to the propagation,
cultivation, maintenance, and harvesting of aquatic plants and
animals in marine water.”
The bills are both sponsored by AltaSea at the Port of Los
Angeles, a 35-acre ocean technology campus home to many innovative
climate solutions, including carbon capture projects directed by
Caltech, USC, and UCLA. Additionally, various startups and
companies have mariculture and aquaculture labs at AltaSea.
They now head to the Appropriations Committee and are expected
to be considered in May.
“We applaud Assemblymembers Muratsuchi and Papan for their
important work to help streamline carbon removal and mariculture
projects. This legislation, if passed and signed by the Governor,
will reduce emissions and support California’s environmental
sustainability goals,” said Terry Tamminen, President and CEO of
AltaSea. Tamminen served as Secretary of the California
Environmental Protection Agency under Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger. “The bipartisan support these bills have garnered
once again highlight California’s leadership on climate
initiatives. We look forward to this continued momentum in growing
our blue economy.”
About AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles
AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles, located on 35 acres at North
America’s leading seaport by both container volume and cargo value,
is dedicated to accelerating scientific collaboration, advancing an
emerging blue economy through business innovation and job creation,
and inspiring the next generation, all for a more sustainable,
just, and equitable world. For more information on AltaSea, please
visit: https://altasea.org.
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Jacob Scott jscott@vectisstrategies.com 412-445-7719