The Sonoma Biochar Initiative (SBI), founded in 2009, is a California-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biochar education, production and use throughout Sonoma County. SBI operates under the fiscal sponsorship of the Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) [www.sonomaecologycenter.org]. We interact with our strategic partners to educate local agricultural operators (including vineyard managers), local government officials, and other stakeholders on the advantages of using biochar to enhance agricultural productivity while reducing GHG emissions. SBI sees accelerated use of biochar as the key to soil restoration and recovery as well as a “fast mitigation technology” being cited increasingly in international climate talks. SBI is seeking ways to establish local demonstration projects for biochar production and application, experimenting with available agricultural and urban yard waste biomass feedstocks.

SBI has initiated formation of a regular biochar working group of key Sonoma County agencies and other organizations. At this forum members identify and discuss options to include biochar in regional soil and water conservation efforts and in ongoing implementation of Sonoma County’s Climate Action Plan, the country’s most advanced such program. These sessions are hosted by the county’s official climate program implementing agency, the Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA) [www.sctainfo.org/rcpa.htm]. Participants in this group include the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, Sonoma County Parks, Sonoma Compost Company, Sonoma County Water Agency, Climate Protection Campaign, and others. SBI also continues to monitor the actions of the California Air Resources Board as it implements the state’s climate plan, AB 32; we are especially focused on carbon sequestration protocols and valuation.

SBI’s five core Principals each bring unique skills and expertise to the organization:

•Raymond Baltar, a local businessman and professional photographer, is focused on integrating business principles with energy conservation and environmental sustainability. Mr. Baltar recently completed a “Green MBA” graduate degree.

•Richard Dale has served as SEC’s Executive Director for 20 years. Programs at the center focused on research, education, and restoration have gained a statewide reputation for excellence. Mr. Dale is recognized widely as one of Sonoma County’s leading environmentalists.

•Ray Gallian, SBI’s initial founding member, has focused on biochar technology and its uses over the past several years. Mr. Gallian works primarily on education and outreach to expand biochar use.

•Peter Hirst, Principal of New England Biochar, is an expert on biochar technology and its uses, especially in agriculture. His firm holds US design licenses on both fixed and transportable pyrolysis/energy co-production units of proven operational capacity. Mr. Hirst also brings to SBI extensive experience and knowledge of renewable energy policy, having worked for years as a practicing attorney in this field.

•David Morell, PhD, a specialist in global environmental and energy policy, retired in 2007 as CEO of an environmental consulting firm. Dr. Morell previously served as a senior official of the US Environmental Protection Agency and in California state government and has many years of experience in university teaching and research.

Other Members:

Charles Berkstresser / Tragaluz

Matthew Banchero

Jake Blehm

Benjamin Colby / Swallow Valley Farm

Laurie Gallian

Joan Linney

Sonoma Biochar

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