(a) The commission shall consider, in the investment planning process for the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) program, funding for eligible biomass conversion, as defined in Section 40106, to energy projects using new and emerging technologies that maximize ratepayer and public benefits.

(b) In determining the appropriate amount of EPIC funding for biomass conversion, the commission shall consider the recommendations of the State Air Resources Board and the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, and shall coordinate with the Natural Resources Agency, the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, and the Department of Food and Agriculture about the need for biomass conversion.

(c) The commission shall also consider opportunities to reduce short-lived climate pollutant emissions, generate carbon negative emissions, reduce wildfire impacts, and increase energy reliability.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 229, Sec. 2. (AB 322) Effective January 1, 2022.)