CA SB498

Revises the definition of "biomass conversion" to include production of heat, fuels, or electricity through controlled combustion or noncombustion thermal technologies applied to agricultural residues, yard waste, wood products, and nonrecyclable paper materials.

Requires solid waste facilities sending materials to biomass conversion facilities to ensure materials are limited to those specified in the definition, with enforcement agencies authorized to conduct inspections for compliance.

Requires biomass conversion facility operators or owners to submit annual reports to the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery beginning April 1, 2016, containing facility information, material sources, rejected materials, and ash or byproduct end users, certified under penalty of perjury.

Excludes from biomass conversion the controlled combustion of recyclable pulp, recyclable paper materials, or materials containing sewage sludge, industrial sludge, medical waste, hazardous waste, or radioactive waste.

Specifies no state reimbursement is required for local agency costs since the act only creates new crime or infraction penalties under Government Code Section 17556.