CA AB1086

Establishes the Marine Carbon Initiative within the State Air Resources Board to advance research on marine carbon dioxide removal and sequestration methods, including ocean alkalinity enhancement, macroalgae cultivation, and biomass sinking

Creates a 7-member Marine Carbon Council by July 1, 2027, selected through public nomination, to evaluate scientific gaps, best practices for measuring and verifying marine carbon removal, and potential commercialization pathways

Requires the Council to report recommendations to the state board by July 1, 2028, covering research gaps, ecosystem impact metrics, effects on existing ocean uses (fishing, aquaculture, recreation), and potential marine carbon research hubs in California

Establishes the Marine Carbon Research Program by August 1, 2028, to award competitive grants for eligible marine carbon dioxide removal projects that have at least one California-based partner organization

Allocates $2,000,000 annually for at least 7 years upon legislative appropriation to fund the program, with biennial reports to the Legislature starting January 1, 2029