CA SB1294

Requires the California Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Food and Agriculture, in coordination with other state agencies, to assess state programs and develop recommendations for promoting compost use to increase carbon sequestration in urban and rural areas, with recommendations posted by January 1, 2018, and updated annually.

Directs an implementing agency to develop a program promoting compost use statewide, prioritizing projects that utilize community conservation corps or local nonprofit entities employing underprivileged youth.

Requires the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to review and revise its urban forestry program to prioritize funding for multibenefit carbon sequestration projects and establish local or regional urban tree canopy targets, especially in disadvantaged communities vulnerable to urban heat island effects.

Establishes the Community Climate and Drought Resilience Program of 2016 to improve carbon sequestration, drought preparedness, and climate adaptation through increased urban forest canopy, carbon soil sequestration, stormwater management, organic waste diversion, and workforce training for at-risk youth in disadvantaged communities.

Section 42649.87 remains in effect only until January 1, 2021, and will be repealed unless extended by subsequent statute.