CA AB2878

Establishes the Forest Biomass Waste Utilization Program within the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection's Joint Institute for Wood Products Innovation to develop an implementation plan for beneficial use of forest biomass waste from fuel reduction activities.

Requires the State Board to develop a workforce training program to address workforce needs for forest biomass utilization projects, in collaboration with community colleges and workforce development entities.

Mandates the State Board submit annual reports to the Legislature beginning January 1, 2024, on progress implementing the biomass utilization plan in coordination with the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force.

Requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to prepare a report by December 31, 2023, evaluating innovative bioenergy technologies using forest biomass waste and assessing potential for firm renewable power.

Modifies greenhouse gas emissions reporting requirements by requiring the State Air Resources Board to include methodologies to quantify emissions from wildfire, pile burning, and forest management activities in its report due December 31, 2025, and every five years thereafter.