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The article offers the author's insights on biomass energy and policy in California. He mentions that overarching policies have restricted the options of forest practitioners for removing residual biomass without disturbing the forest. He notes that California biomass consultant Michael Theroux did an excellent job in outlining the significant changes in federal policies to open up woody biomass on federal lands.

The article reports on the initiative undertaken by the city of San Jose, California to increase the rate of reuse. San Jose boosts recycling by waiving a $13 per ton disposal tax, a $3.49 per cubic yard franchise fee, and a 50-cent AB939 state recycling fee for loads bound for recycling or composting facilities. These fees must be paid for waste destined for the landfill. Haulers compete in an open market subject to constant competition. As the marketplace develops, competitors offer lower hauling fees to businesses with higher percentages of compostable waste materials.

Focuses on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and electrical power costs of Cottonwood Diary by using anaerobic digesters in Atwater, California. Energy production process using the anaerobic digester; Comments of Joseph Gallo Farms CEO Mike Gallo that the digester system reduces the release of greenhouse gases while steam generation reduces air emissions; Favorable response of several company partners on the initiative.

The article reports on the growth of extended producer responsibility (EPR), a strategy designed to promote environmental protection and economic growth, in California. Bill Sheehan, director of the Product Policy Institute claims that the growth has been led by local governments taking an increased number of landfill bans on hazardous products. The local governments in Northern California have moved to create the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) based on the successful NorthWest Product Stewardship Council. Moreover, CPSC has launched its web site at http://caproductsstewardship.org.

The article reports that the U.S. District Court judge in Los Angeles, California has rejected the motion of the Kern County to dismiss the lawsuit that challenges the region's ban on land application of biosolids considering that it should not have been filed in Los Angeles. The court ruled that it was ok to file the case in the said state since the effect of the ban would handicap government agencies in the Los Angeles area. Furthermore, it has been noted that the lawsuit seeks to alter a ballot initiative passed by Kern County voters that limits the plaintiffs from recycling biosolids at two farm sites in the County including a 5,000 acre farm owned by Los Angeles.

Focuses on the agreement between the Sacramento county-owned Kiefer Landfill and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) to use methane in the SMUD Greenergy program. Comments of Jim Burke on the benefits of participating in the program; Green waster generated by the facility every year; Global warming impact of methane producing landfills.