CA AB2196

Amends the definition of "renewable electrical generation facility" to require that landfill gas, digester gas, or other renewable fuels delivered through common carrier pipelines must meet conditions specified in Public Utilities Code Section 399.12.6 and be verified through the renewable portfolio standard accounting system.

Establishes eligibility requirements for biomethane procurement contracts, allowing contracts executed before March 29, 2012 to count under existing rules if the source was producing and injecting biomethane by April 1, 2014.

Requires biomethane procured after March 29, 2012 to qualify only if it is used onsite, delivered via dedicated pipeline, or delivered through a common carrier pipeline while meeting specific requirements including injection within California and demonstrated environmental benefits.

Mandates that renewable and environmental attributes of biomethane production must be transferred to the utility to ensure zero net emissions associated with electricity generation, and prohibits utilities from making greenhouse gas reduction claims unless environmental attributes are properly transferred or contractually restricted.

Makes the act operative only if both AB 2196 and AB 1900 of the 2011-12 Regular Session are enacted and become effective before January 1, 2013.